China announced on Thursday that a senior military official, Admiral Miao Hua, has been suspended and is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline.” However, reports claiming Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption were denied by the government.
Miao, 69, a career military officer, was a member of the Central Military Commission, China’s highest military body, and served in Fujian when President Xi Jinping worked there. He has held a key political role within the military due to his position on the six-member commission headed by Xi.
A defence ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, refrained from providing additional details. The Chinese military has been conducting an extensive anti-corruption campaign since last year, which has led to the removal of numerous PLA generals and defense industry executives.
Wu also dismissed media reports claiming Dong was being investigated, calling them “fabrications” spread by those with malicious intentions. The Financial Times and Reuters had reported that Dong was being investigated, citing US officials. However, caution was urged regarding those claims.
Dong, who became defence minister in December 2023, had declined a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, citing tensions over Taiwan. Wu supported Dong’s position, accusing the United States of destabilizing the region.
Dong replaced Li Shangfu, who was removed after seven months in office amid a corruption scandal. Li and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party earlier this year for “serious violations of discipline.”
The anti-corruption campaign has particularly targeted the PLA’s Rocket Force, responsible for China’s advanced missile systems. This ongoing effort to address corruption is seen as a challenge to Xi’s military modernization plans, potentially slowing progress.
Analysts, such as James Char, believe Miao’s suspension signals a breakdown in Xi’s trust in his military leaders. If Miao is found guilty, it could indicate Xi’s failure to fully assess corruption within the military elite. Miao’s ties to Xi date back to their time in Fujian, according to the latest Pentagon report.
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