Crackdown on Graft in China’s Military Continues: Top Official Suspended
A top Chinese military official, Miao Hua, has been removed from office and is suspected of "serious violations of discipline", Beijing announced today, the latest senior official to fall in a sweeping crackdown on graft in the country’s armed forces. Miao, an admiral and member of Beijing’s powerful central military commission (CMC), headed the CMC’s political work department, the top military body’s most important office.
Crackdown on Corruption
Beijing has deepened a crackdown on alleged graft in the armed forces over the past year, with President Xi Jinping this month ordering the military to stamp out corruption and strengthen its "war-preparedness". The intensity of the anti-graft drive in the military has been partially driven by fears that it may affect China’s ability to wage a future war, Bloomberg reported citing US officials this year.
Defence Minister Under Scrutiny
At a press briefing, Wu Qian, a spokesman for Beijing’s defence ministry, denied reports that defence minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation for corruption. "The reports in question are pure fabrications," Wu said. "The rumour-mongers are ill-intentioned. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with such slanderous behaviour."
Recent Cases of Corruption in the Military
Miao’s removal from office follows a series of high-profile cases of corruption in the Chinese military. Li Shangfu, a former navy commander, was appointed defence minister in December, but was later expelled from the Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery. He has not been seen in public since. His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, was also kicked out of the party and passed on to prosecutors over alleged corruption.
Rocket Force Under Scrutiny
The country’s secretive Rocket Force, which oversees China’s vast arsenal of strategic missiles, both conventional and nuclear, has come under particularly intense scrutiny. In July, a top Chinese official in the Rocket Force, Sun Jinming, was kicked out of the party and placed under investigation for corruption. At least two other high-ranking officers connected to the Rocket Force have also been removed for graft.
Conclusion
The ongoing crackdown on graft in China’s military is a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the armed forces. While the exact nature of the allegations against Miao Hua is not publicly known, his removal from office is a clear indication of the Chinese government’s commitment to combating corruption.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the anti-graft drive in the Chinese military?
A: The anti-graft drive aims to combat corruption and ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the armed forces.
Q: What are the consequences of being found guilty of corruption in the Chinese military?
A: Those found guilty can face expulsion from the Communist Party, removal from office, and prosecution.
Q: How widespread is corruption in the Chinese military?
A: While exact figures are difficult to determine, numerous high-profile cases of corruption have been reported in recent years, indicating a significant problem.