By Smartencyclopedia Newsdesk with Agencies
Beijing — President Xi Jinping’s campaign to root out corruption within China’s military has once again taken center stage as top military official Miao Hua was removed from his post amid allegations of “serious violations of discipline,” a term widely understood as a euphemism for corruption. Miao joins a growing list of high-ranking officials targeted in a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has intensified in the past year.
The crackdown has already seen the downfall of two former defense ministers and nearly 20 other military and defense industry leaders since mid-2023. Analysts warn that the deepening probe reveals systemic issues that may undermine China’s military readiness, raising questions about the effectiveness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a time of heightened tensions in East Asia.
Xi’s Anti-Corruption Agenda
Since taking office in 2012, Xi Jinping has made anti-corruption a hallmark of his leadership. While supporters praise the campaign as a necessary effort to promote clean governance, critics argue it is also a tool to eliminate political rivals and consolidate power.
The military crackdown comes amid China’s most significant military build-up in decades, with the PLA playing a central role in Xi’s vision of achieving the “great rejuvenation” of the Chinese nation. However, recurring scandals suggest corruption within the military could be a major impediment to that goal.
Key Figures and the Rocket Force Connection
The crackdown has notably impacted officials connected to the PLA Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear and conventional missile arsenal. Former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, both of whom had ties to the unit, were expelled from the Communist Party earlier this year. The Rocket Force’s chief and chief of staff were also implicated in July 2023, along with several senior executives from state-owned missile defense firms.
According to U.S. intelligence, corruption within the Rocket Force reportedly led to equipment failures and critical malfunctions, with Bloomberg alleging that missile fuel was replaced with water in some instances. If true, such lapses could severely compromise China’s nuclear readiness.
Broader Implications
The recent removal of Miao Hua, a former army officer who rose to prominence in the navy, and rumors of an investigation into current defense minister Dong Jun, suggest the crackdown is expanding beyond the Rocket Force. Observers say this could indicate deeper systemic corruption throughout the military.
“Competition for top positions is so fierce that there might be some mutual recriminations between officers, leading to endless cycles of arrests, new appointments, and recriminations,” Victor Shih, an expert on Chinese elite politics, told AFP.
Strategic Consequences
The timing of the corruption crackdown is significant, coming as China increases military pressure on Taiwan and asserts itself in territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Analysts argue that widespread graft may undermine the PLA’s ability to achieve Xi’s strategic objectives, including potential military action against Taiwan.
“Corruption in the Chinese military rightly should raise questions about its ability to achieve military objectives,” wrote Heather Williams of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The fallout has also sparked concerns about Xi’s ability to trust his military leadership. Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow at the U.S. National Defense University, described the situation as “a huge distraction” as the PLA works to meet Xi’s goal of war readiness by 2027.
Xi’s Response
Xi has doubled down on his anti-corruption message, recently visiting air force personnel in Hubei province and urging them to increase their war preparedness while rooting out “unhealthy tendencies.” However, analysts predict the campaign will continue to pose challenges to military cohesion and operational focus.
A Long Battle Ahead
The unfolding purge highlights both the scale of corruption within China’s armed forces and the political undercurrents shaping Xi’s governance. As Beijing accelerates its military modernization, the question remains: Can the PLA address its internal flaws and emerge stronger, or will the crackdown further erode its operational capabilities?
For now, the anti-corruption drive underscores the delicate balance Xi must maintain between consolidating power and ensuring the PLA is ready for the challenges ahead.