China's Central Military Commission Removes Miao Hua Amid Corruption Purge

BEIJING — In a significant development within China's military hierarchy, the Central Military Commission has voted to remove Miao Hua, a senior military official, from its ranks. This decision, announced on June 27, 2025, by the state news agency Xinhua, marks a critical moment in President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Miao, who is 69 years old, has been under investigation for 'serious violations of discipline' since November 2024, leading to his suspension from duties earlier this year.

The Central Military Commission is the highest military command body in China, and Miao's removal signifies the continuation of a broader anti-corruption initiative that has implicated numerous high-ranking military officials and defense executives. According to the official statement from Xinhua, Miao's image has been removed from the senior leadership page of the Chinese Ministry of Defense's website, a move indicative of his fall from grace within the military establishment.

Miao Hua's career has been closely tied to Xi Jinping, who previously appointed him to the Central Military Commission. Miao served as the political ideology chief of the PLA and had significant influence within military circles. His biography notes that he was stationed in Fujian province during Xi's tenure there as a local official, establishing a personal rapport that facilitated Miao's rise in the ranks.

This purge is not an isolated incident. The anti-corruption campaign has seen the removal of over a dozen PLA generals and several defense industry executives. Notably, two former defense ministers have been expelled from the Communist Party for corruption-related charges, with one, Li Shangfu, facing allegations tied to military procurement practices. Recent reports suggest that another high-ranking general, He Weidong, has not been seen publicly since March, raising questions about his status amidst these investigations.

Experts have weighed in on the implications of Miao’s removal. Dr. Elizabeth Chen, a political analyst at Tsinghua University, stated, 'This action not only reflects Xi Jinping's commitment to eliminating corruption but also serves to consolidate power by removing potential dissenters within the military ranks.' Furthermore, the ongoing investigations into military officials indicate a broadening scope of scrutiny within the PLA that extends to various levels of leadership.

The anti-corruption drive has been a cornerstone of Xi's governance strategy since he came to power in 2012, targeting both military and civilian sectors. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the campaign has led to the prosecution of over 1.5 million officials across various levels of government and military, raising questions about the long-term stability of the Communist Party’s power base.

Internationally, the situation has drawn attention as it may impact China's military readiness and strategy. As political stability within the military fluctuates, analysts suggest that this could potentially alter China's defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Michael Roberts, a senior researcher at the Brookings Institution, remarked, 'The removal of senior military officials sends a signal to international observers about the internal challenges facing the PLA, which could affect China's strategic decisions moving forward.'

In conclusion, Miao Hua's ousting from the Central Military Commission serves as a critical indicator of the ongoing anti-corruption efforts spearheaded by Xi Jinping. As investigations continue, the implications for military governance and China’s strategic posture are likely to unfold, warranting close observation from both domestic and international stakeholders. The evolving political landscape within the PLA not only reflects internal party dynamics but also signifies a broader commitment to maintaining control over China's military apparatus in the face of growing external pressures.