China suspends top military official Miao Hua for 'serious violations of discipline' amid corruption probe

China announced on Thursday that top military official Miao Hua has been removed from his post and is under investigation for "serious violations of discipline," marking the latest high-ranking official to be caught in a broader anti-corruption crackdown within the country’s military. 

China on Thursday suspended Miao Hua, a high-ranking official in its military leadership, as he faces an investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” according to the Ministry of Defense. The announcement marks the latest upheaval in China’s defense establishment, which has recently been rocked by high-profile probes into corruption and misconduct.

The ruling Chinese Communist Party "has decided to suspend Miao Hua from duty pending investigation", Wu Qian, spokesman of China's Ministry of Defence, told a press briefing.

Miao, who serves as director of the Political Work Department on the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), is one of five members of the body overseeing the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The CMC, chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping, holds ultimate authority over the world’s largest standing military.

The investigation into Miao’s conduct comes shortly after speculation arose regarding Defense Minister Dong Jun, who was reportedly under suspension and investigation, according to a Financial Times report. However, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian dismissed the report as a “sheer fabrication” and stated that Dong is not under investigation.

Miao Hua’s position on the CMC, a Communist Party committee, grants him greater influence than the defense minister, as party roles traditionally outrank government positions in China.

This marks the third major shakeup in China’s defense leadership in recent months. In June, former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were expelled from the Communist Party amid allegations of corruption and bribery. Both are currently under investigation for misuse of their positions during their tenures.

Miao has not been officially charged, but the term "serious violations of discipline" is commonly understood in China as a euphemism for corruption.

The announcement follows unconfirmed reports suggesting that Defence Minister Dong Jun may also be under investigation for corruption. If true, Dong would be the third consecutive Chinese defence minister to face a graft probe.

Further details awaited.