Hong Kong, December 3 (HBTV): The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s party-controlled military, is embroiled in another high-profile scandal. Despite President Xi Jinping’s anti-graft campaign that has been ongoing for over twelve years, the PLA remains mired in corruption.
The latest casualty is Admiral Miao Hua, Director of the Political Work Department. According to a Ministry of National Defense (MND) statement issued on November 28, Miao is "suspected of serious violation of discipline," and has been suspended pending investigation. Miao, a high-ranking official in the Central Military Commission (CMC), was reportedly detained on November 9. Typically, when such investigations become public, a conviction is imminent. It is unusual for the MND to announce such matters rather than the corruption agency itself.
Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute noted that Miao's investigation follows the purge of another senior PLA official, Li Shangfu. These high-profile investigations highlight the failure of Xi’s trusted military leaders, who are supposed to be thoroughly vetted before their appointments.
Miao, a protégé of Xi, has held key military positions, including political commissar of the PLA Navy (PLAN) and a member of the CMC. His rise reflected Xi’s strategy to bypass traditional military networks in favor of personal loyalty. Miao’s fall marks the seventh CMC member purged under Xi's leadership.
Miao’s suspension raises questions about corruption within the PLA, particularly whether his actions were linked to financial misconduct or the formation of competing power factions within the military. The purge may also have deeper political motivations, as Xi seeks to solidify control over military operations, especially in light of tensions over Taiwan.
Amidst the ongoing purges, there are rumors that other top figures, including Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun, are implicated. Dong, who assumed his position in December 2023, has not been seen publicly since November 21, leading to speculation about his possible detention.
In recent years, Xi has overseen one of the largest purges in PLA history, removing over 14 senior officials, particularly targeting the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) and Equipment Development Department. Now, the PLAN appears to be under scrutiny, with further investigations into Miao’s associates.
Despite Xi’s anti-corruption efforts, experts argue that systemic corruption remains embedded in the PLA. The culture of graft and patronage has deep historical roots, dating back to the Mao era, and reform efforts have failed to eradicate these practices.
The ongoing purges and Miao’s suspension underscore the dysfunction and infighting within the PLA. Experts believe this could undermine the effectiveness of China’s military, particularly in light of Xi’s ambitions for a stronger military by 2027. However, despite the turmoil, Xi remains focused on his long-term military goals, including preparations for potential conflict over Taiwan.
As Xi’s grip on power tightens, questions remain about his ability to control corruption and internal divisions within the PLA, with political infighting continuing to shape the future of China’s military.
(ANI)