In a sweeping move, China President Xi Jinping has continued his unyielding anti-corruption campaign, now targeting senior figures within the People Liberation Army (PLA). The latest casualty is Admiral Miao Hua, a high-ranking member of China Central Military Commission (CMC), who has been placed under investigation for “serious violations of discipline, a term often used to refer to corruption.
Miao, who has long been a trusted ally of Xi, served as head of the CMC political work department and was responsible for enforcing party discipline within the PLA. His investigation further underscores the breadth of Xi efforts to root out corruption, even within his inner circle. Miao suspension follows a series of similar investigations into prominent military leaders, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. Many of these officials were linked to China strategic Rocket Force, which oversees the nation nuclear capabilities.
The growing purge within the military raises alarm over the internal instability within China armed forces at a time when Xi vision for a modernized and globally competitive PLA is at stake. Despite claims from the defense ministry denying that current defense minister Admiral Dong Jun is under investigation, his omission from the CMC raises further suspicion.
The ongoing purges signal deepening corruption concerns within China military, which could have wide-ranging implications for the country readiness and strategic ambitions. The PLA’s Rocket Force, central to China nuclear deterrence and any potential military action in Taiwan, has been especially affected by corruption scandals. Reports suggest substandard equipment and procurement issues, threatening the effectiveness of China military assets. With over a dozen senior military and aerospace officials removed since mid-2023, it is evident that corruption runs deep within the ranks.
These developments also raise questions about Xi leadership and whether his anti-corruption efforts can preserve loyalty and cohesion within the PLA. As Xi continues his purges, he faces growing domestic pressures, including economic challenges and rising discontent among the middle class. A weakened or destabilized PLA could undermine Xi authority, especially as geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region intensify.
Looking ahead, Xi is likely to continue tightening control within the PLA, focusing on improving internal discipline and addressing systemic corruption. However, experts caution that without independent oversight, the persistent centralization of power under Xi could limit the effectiveness of these reforms and perpetuate the very issues they aim to resolve.
