Successive Purges of Top Chinese Military Officials... Investigation of Miao Hua, 5th in Rank

Miao Hua (苗華), ranked fifth in the Chinese military hierarchy and a member of the Central Military Commission of China as well as the director of the Political Work Department, has been suspended for "serious disciplinary violations," the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced on the 28th.

Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, stated at a regular briefing that Miao is under investigation and that he has been suspended from his duties during the investigation period. Although specific charges against Miao have not been disclosed, the phrase "serious disciplinary violations" suggests allegations of corruption.

Chinese-speaking political commentator Cai Xian Kun claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that he obtained credible information that Miao was taken away by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection the previous day, stating, "He was arrested by several soldiers while his face was covered with a hood, and there are rumors that many residents witnessed the event."

According to major foreign news agencies including AFP, China expanded its anti-corruption investigation within the People's Liberation Army last year, and since last summer, nearly 20 military and defense industry officials have been removed from their positions.

During this process, Li Yuchao and Zhou Yaning, who served as commanders of the Rocket Force (at the rank of general), were purged, and former Ministers of National Defense Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu are also undergoing anti-corruption investigations after having their party memberships revoked.

Some foreign media also reported, citing current and former U.S. officials, that Dong Jun, the current Minister of National Defense, is under investigation by anti-corruption authorities for corruption allegations. Some local journalists have posted on social media that Minister Dong is reportedly involved in Miao's case.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denied the investigation rumors about Minister Dong after foreign media reports, using the four-character idiom "bufengzhuoying" (捕風捉影, literally "grasping at wind and clutching shadows," meaning chasing baseless rumors), and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense also stated on the same day that the reports are "complete fabrications."