Thu Nov 28 08:40:52 UTC 2024: ## Top Chinese Military Official Removed Amid Wide-Ranging Corruption Crackdown
**BEIJING** – A top Chinese military official, Admiral Miao Hua, has been suspended from his post pending investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” according to a Thursday announcement by the Ministry of National Defence. While the specific charges remain undisclosed, the phrase is typically understood as a euphemism for corruption. Admiral Miao, a member of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and head of its Political Work Department, is the latest senior figure to be targeted in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing crackdown on graft within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The announcement follows a year of intensified anti-corruption efforts within the military, fueled by concerns that corruption could undermine China’s military readiness. This concern was highlighted by a Bloomberg report earlier this year, citing US officials.
The Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Wu Qian, also categorically denied reports that Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption, calling such rumours “pure fabrications” and expressing strong dissatisfaction with the “slanderous behaviour.” Minister Dong’s appointment last December followed the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor, Li Shangfu, who was later expelled from the Communist Party for bribery. This follows a similar fate for Wei Fenghe, Dong’s predecessor.
The crackdown has been particularly intense within the Rocket Force, responsible for China’s strategic missile arsenal. At least three high-ranking officers from this unit have been removed from their posts due to alleged corruption, including Sun Jinming, a top official ousted in July. The ongoing purge underscores the seriousness with which the Chinese government is addressing corruption within its armed forces.
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