Admiral Miao Hua, a high-ranking official in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), has been dismissed from his position as director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the body overseeing the country’s military. Miao’s expulsion is the latest move in President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption drive, which has extended to the upper echelons of the PLA.

A Key Role in Military Loyalty and Ideology

Miao, a senior admiral in the PLA navy, was responsible for ensuring loyalty and ideological alignment within the military, making his removal significant. The CMC, led by Xi, is one of China’s most powerful institutions, managing both the military and the coastguard. Miao’s ousting follows his suspension and investigation last year for "serious violations of discipline" — a term commonly associated with corruption charges.

Unprecedented Purges and Growing Disruption

Miao’s dismissal is among the highest-profile purges in the Chinese military since the 1960s. His case is part of a broader pattern of high-ranking officials under Xi's administration being removed from power, signaling increasing instability within China’s armed forces. Other officials, such as He Weidong, vice-chair of the CMC, are also reportedly under investigation.

Since Xi Jinping took power in 2012, the military has seen the ousting of eight senior CMC members in a campaign to cleanse corruption. However, questions have arisen about Xi’s ability to vet those he personally appointed, including figures like Li Shangfu, the former defense minister, and Qin Gang, the former foreign minister, who was also removed under mysterious circumstances in 2023.

Global Reactions and Military Stability

While these purges reflect Xi’s commitment to his anti-corruption agenda, they risk disrupting China’s military image of strength and stability, especially amid ongoing global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. Tensions over Taiwan remain a focal point of concern, and senior military changes may affect critical US-China defense dialogues.