Pankaj Singh Bisht, Jadetimes Staff
Pankaj is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political News.
China's political and military landscape is shifting under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. Recent trends show a deepening purging process within the People's Liberation Army (PLA), targeting senior military officers accused of corruption and misconduct. The latest figure in the purge is Admiral Miao Hua, a top political commissar and Central Military Commission (CMC) member. This followed the expulsion of two former defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, who are to be put on trial for alleged crimes. The ongoing purge underscores Xi’s resolve to tighten his grip on the military and enforce discipline within one of the most powerful institutions in China.
The Rise and Fall of Admiral Miao Hua
Admiral Miao Hua has long been thought to be President Xi Jinping's trusted ally. Serving as political commissar of the CMC, Miao had a heavy responsibility in terms of bringing PLA into line ideologically with the Communist Party. Indeed, his fortunes appear now to have shifted dramatically and suddenly.
The accusations against Miao are unknown but are reportedly connected with a general charge of corruption and abuse of power. His ouster indicates increasing intolerance on the part of the Chinese leadership toward even senior officials who are not acting in keeping with party norms.
Pattern of Purges Extends Farther Than Previously Thought
Admiral Miao's suspension is an aspect of a more extended campaign to cleanse the PLA of corrupt practices. Earlier, the former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were expelled from the Communist Party. Wei was China's defense minister until 2023 and is accused of embezzlement and abuses of authority. Li Shangfu, his successor, faces charges of procurement fraud and other irregularities during his tenure.
These high-profile removals suggest a systematic effort by Xi to eliminate corruption and consolidate his control over the military. The PLA, a cornerstone of Xi’s vision for a modern and assertive China, has faced increasing scrutiny as part of the president’s anti-corruption drive, which began shortly after he assumed power in 2012.
Implications for the PLA and Chinese Politics
The intensifying purge within the PLA has significant implications. Domestically, it reinforces Xi Jinping's authority as he continues to centralize power. Targeting senior officials sends a strong message to the military and other state institutions: loyalty to the party and adherence to discipline are non-negotiable.
The purge, both internationally and domestically, poses questions about the PLA's stability and readiness. Key leaders are removed from leadership positions, and decision-making can be temporarily affected as strategic initiatives in regions like the South China Sea and Taiwan, as well as China's military modernization goals, may be impacted.
The campaign against corruption will probably become more intense, leading to more high-profile dismissals and investigations within the PLA. Xi Jinping's campaign, however, might pay too much of a price: it strengthens his power, but it also breeds discontent in those targeted by the campaign.
Xi’s actions underline his broader goal of aligning the PLA more closely with the Communist Party’s vision and ensuring its unwavering loyalty. This purge, while disruptive, is likely to pave the way for a more disciplined and party-controlled military.
President Xi Jinping's military purge is a critical moment in the political landscape of China. Through targeting top military officials, Xi is not only fighting corruption but also cementing his control over one of the most influential institutions in China. As the PLA transitions into this new era, the world observes closely and assesses the effects on the military capabilities of China and its geopolitical ambitions.
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