President Xi Jinping has escalated his ongoing anti-corruption campaign by purging high-ranking military officials, including Adm. Miao Hua, a close ally and key figure responsible for instilling loyalty within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
During Xi’s early efforts to battle corruption, he consolidated his grip over the military by removing influential generals from rival factions and replacing them with loyal allies. However, a decade later, despite having restructured the PLA and filled its ranks with his supporters, Xi continues to confront issues of corruption and disloyalty.
Late last month, Miao, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and head of its political work department, was suspended under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” a common euphemism for corruption. His position made him integral to vetting promotions and ensuring political loyalty within the military.
Miao’s involvement in this investigation adds to a trend that has seen over a dozen high-ranking figures within China’s defense community ousted, including the last two defense ministers appointed by Xi.
Miao’s longstanding alliance with Xi dates back to their time together in the Fujian province, where Miao served as a political officer in the former 31st Group Army while Xi rose in political ranks. Observers note that Miao’s promotion to the political commissar of the PLA Navy in 2014 and subsequent elevation to the CMC are indicative of his importance in Xi’s inner circle.
However, the unfolding investigation raises questions about Xi’s confidence in his top military leaders. Analysts suggest that the ongoing purges may stem from a fear that those he appointed could become too powerful or independent.
Victor Shih, a political science professor at the University of San Diego, remarked, “Dictators tend to be wary of potential threats, especially from former confidants.” He added that such paranoia about losing control over loyalists is a common theme among authoritarian leaders throughout history.
The current political landscape has also seen Xi maintaining a close eye on Miao and others due to the intensifying rivalry between China and Western nations. The PLA faces ongoing scrutiny as its modernization pushes for increased military readiness, particularly regarding Taiwan.
As part of the government’s continued focus, Xi is determined to eradicate corruption and maintain loyalty within the ranks of the military. Recently, while inspecting the PLA’s Information Support Force, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the troops are “absolutely loyal, absolutely pure, and absolutely reliable.”
As Xi navigates these challenges, the ramifications of his purge may significantly alter the dynamics within the military and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.
Credit: CNN
