China’s Defense Ministry has announced that Miao Hua, the fifth-ranking official in China’s military hierarchy and a member of the Central Military Commission, as well as head of the Political Work Department, has been suspended.
During a regular briefing, Wu Qian, the spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, stated that they decided to suspend Miao Hua from his duties while an investigation is ongoing.
Wu Qian did not specify the charges against Miao but used the term “serious disciplinary violations,” indicating potential corruption charges.
Previously, China significantly expanded its corruption investigations into the People’s Liberation Army last year.
According to AFP, nearly 20 military and defense industry officials have been dismissed since last summer.
Among them, former rocket force leaders Li Yuchao and Zhou Yanning have been purged, while former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu are undergoing anti-corruption investigations with their party memberships revoked.
The British Financial Times, citing current and former American officials, reported that current Defense Minister Li Shanshan is being investigated by the disciplinary authorities for corruption charges.
However, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, dismissed the FT report with the expression “catching wind and shadows,” meaning groundless rumors, and the Chinese Defense Ministry also labeled the report as “complete fabrication.”
※ “Your tip becomes news”
[KaKaoTalk] Search YTN and add channel
[Phone] 02-398-8585
[Email] [email protected]