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A high-ranking Chinese military official, Admiral Miao Hua, has been suspended for disciplinary violations. The suspension comes amid China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has removed several generals and defense industry executives.
Defense Minister Dong Jun has denied allegations of corruption, calling them “fabrications.” The Financial Times and some US officials had reported that Dong was under investigation.
The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, attempted to meet with Dong at a recent meeting in Laos, but was declined due to US actions regarding Taiwan. Dong accused the US of destabilizing the region.
Dong’s suspension is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the Chinese military. Previous defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe were expelled from the Communist Party for corruption.