Political Turmoil in China: Military Leadership Changes

On November 28, 2024, during a discussion on political events, it was noted that China's Ministry of Defense is experiencing turbulence, with the third defense minister under investigation in a short period. The dismissal of generals, including Admiral Miao Hua, signifies an ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the military, marking a major shift in military leadership. The situation raises questions about loyalty within the ranks, particularly after a pattern of corruption investigations has surfaced in high places. The role of defense minister, previously held by Weifeng He and Li Shangfu, has come under scrutiny, with spokespersons from the ministry vehemently denying rumors regarding the current defense minister, Dong Jun. However, given the rapid turnover, fears of factionalism and infighting are apparent. The implications of Admiral Miao's fall from grace, who was a trusted ally of President Xi Jinping, are particularly notable. His responsibilities included overseeing personnel and ideological loyalty—a striking contradiction as he himself faced charges of disloyalty. The discussions also touched on the precarious position of military officials in light of factional power and the ramifications of corruption investigations, building an anticipatory atmosphere of concern among leadership ranks.