Top Chinese military official Admiral Miao Hua suspected of ‘legal violations’: Report 

Chinese admiral sacked as Xi’s purge of military brass continues (Photo credit: SCMP)

Admiral Miao Hua, a member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), was suspected of “legal violations”, suggesting his wrongdoings were more serious than previously thought, reports South China Morning Post.

In its latest statement, the political work department confirmed that Miao was expelled from China’s top legislature in March for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” Although his removal was initially reported in March, this marks the first official acknowledgment of potential legal misconduct.

This also lead to his removal from the National People’s Congress.

He previously served as the director of CMC’s political work department – an influential position responsible for ideological control and personnel management within the People’s Liberation Army.

No further details related to the case have been disclosed.

This development comes as part of an ongoing President Xi Jinping’s broader anti-corruption campaign, which in recent years has focused on numerous senior officials within the People’s Liberation Army.

His last public appearance was on October 7, during the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

The SCMP mentioned that in June of last year, two former defence ministers – Li Shangfu, who occupied the post for just seven months in 2023, and his predecessor Wei Fenghe, who was in office from 2018 to 2023 – were expelled from the party.

One of Miao’s predecessors, General Zhang Yang, died by suicide in 2017 while under investigation for alleged links to two disgraced former military officials during President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign at the time reports ThePrint.

Miao is the second member of the Central Military Commission to be removed from his post since the current leadership term began in 2022.

He Weidong, the Second Vice Chairman of the CMC, missed a Politburo study session of organised by President Xi in the end of April. His last public appearance was reported to be on March 11, ThePrint report mentioned.

Miao and He Weidong are the latest members of the CMC to come under the anti-corruption net.

(With agency inputs)