China has suspended senior military official Miao Hua from his duties amid allegations of “serious violations of discipline,” the Defense Ministry announced Thursday. The move comes as part of Beijing’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting high-ranking military figures.
Miao Hua, a prominent member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and head of its political department, is now under investigation. The ministry did not provide further details, but the phrase “violations of discipline” is commonly used to refer to corruption allegations.
Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies in Armed Forces
Miao’s suspension adds to a growing list of senior officials and military executives implicated in corruption probes. Since last year, at least nine generals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and several defense industry leaders have been removed from office.
Among them, Sun Jinming, a former top official overseeing China’s strategic missile force, was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in July over similar allegations.
President Xi Jinping has emphasized anti-corruption as a cornerstone of his leadership since taking office in 2013, pledging to enhance “war readiness” by rooting out graft within the military. Critics, however, argue that the campaign also serves to consolidate Xi’s power within the CCP.
Ministry Dismisses Rumors About Defense Minister
During the briefing, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian rejected reports claiming Defense Minister Dong Jun was also under investigation.
“The reports in question are pure fabrications,” Wu said, accusing unnamed sources of spreading “slanderous” information.
Dong Jun, appointed defense minister in December 2023, succeeded Li Shangfu, who was dismissed after only seven months in office amid bribery allegations. Li’s predecessor, Wei Fenghe, faced similar corruption charges.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption while safeguarding the integrity of China’s armed forces.
