The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), overseen by China’s President Xi Jinping for 12 years, is embroiled in another high-profile scandal that casts doubt on the effectiveness of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign within the military.
The latest casualty is Admiral Miao Hua, the Director of the Political Work Department and a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC). On November 28, a statement by Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND), confirmed Miao’s suspension pending an investigation for “serious violation of discipline.”
“According to the decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Admiral Miao has been suspended from duty, pending investigation,” the MND stated.
A Major Setback for Xi’s Inner Circle
Miao’s detention on November 9 highlights significant vulnerabilities within Xi’s trusted circle. Since the formation of the six-member CMC at the 20th Party Congress in October 2022, two of its members, Li Shangfu and now Miao Hua, have faced investigations.
Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute remarked, “This alone constitutes a major failure for Xi’s most trusted PLA leaders, who are thoroughly vetted beforehand.”
Despite his naval role, Miao’s career largely involved ground forces, with key postings in Fujian Province aligning with Xi’s tenure there. His promotion to the PLA Navy (PLAN) in 2014 and subsequent elevation to admiral in 2015 were perceived as moves to secure loyalty.
Fallout and Implications
Miao’s suspension leaves only five members on the CMC, including Xi, amid questions about the PLA’s loyalty and governance. Analysts speculate whether Miao’s actions reflect financial corruption or unchecked power centers threatening Xi’s political authority.
Joel Wuthnow of the National Defense University highlighted the gravity of the situation:
“Miao Hua’s fall is a big deal because he was the ultimate insider. One also has to wonder, how much of this is about financial corruption, and how much is about concerns over unchecked power centers springing up in the PLA.”
Broader Military Shakeup
The PLA has been undergoing one of the most extensive purges in recent history. High-ranking officials across the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) and other branches have been removed. The PLAN, too, is under scrutiny, with reports suggesting investigations into figures such as Admirals Yuan Huazhi and Qin Shengxiang.
Lyle Morris commented, “This is by far the largest shakeup of PLA leadership and state-owned enterprises involved in military procurement in recent memory. It suggests deep anxiety and dysfunction within the ranks of China’s military, and a failure of trust between Xi and the military.”
Xi’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Christopher Sharman of the US Naval War College reflected on the implications for Xi’s authority:
“Miao’s actions or influence were obviously a serious enough threat to Xi to warrant these embarrassing optics of yet another high-profile arrest. What does this say about his judgment of character and his decision-making?”
Despite Xi’s rigorous anti-corruption measures, the endemic nature of corruption within the PLA persists. Experts suggest that factionalism and “mountaintopism,” where leaders develop personal networks of power, remain systemic issues.
While Xi continues his mission to modernize the PLA by 2027, critics argue that his focus on loyalty and control may come at the cost of readiness and morale.
A Looming Crisis?
Sharman warned of the broader consequences:
“Churn and challenges are certain, crisis and conflict may follow. America and its allies, partners, and friends must maximize their own military strengths and prepare accordingly.”
As Xi grapples with internal dissent and external pressures, the fallout from Miao Hua’s suspension could further destabilize an already fragile balance within the CCP and PLA.