Fatshimetrie: An In-Depth Look at China’s Latest Political Earthquake
In a series of political upheavals in China, a new tremor has shaken the foundations of Xi Jinping’s regime. The recent purge within the Chinese military has exposed underlying tensions within the central government. As the supreme leader has consolidated his grip on the Chinese Communist Party by eliminating influential generals and replacing them with his allies, even his closest protégés no longer seem safe from his retribution.
The final act of this political play saw the dismissal of Admiral Miao Hua, one of Xi Jinping’s most trusted lieutenants in the military. His suspension for “serious violations of discipline” sent shockwaves through power circles in Beijing. As head of the Central Military Commission’s Political Work Department, Miao was responsible for overseeing political indoctrination within the military and approving promotions for senior officers. His fall highlights the risks faced by those considered key loyalists to the Chinese leader.
A closer look at the ramifications of this recent purge raises a fundamental question: How far is Xi Jinping willing to go to root out the systemic corruption plaguing the Chinese military and to strengthen its fighting capacity in the face of rising geopolitical tensions? As he embarks on an ambitious transformation of the People’s Liberation Army into a world-class fighting force, Miao’s ouster raises doubts about Xi’s confidence in his top generals, who will be tasked with waging a war, particularly over Taiwan.
The purge also highlights a recurring dilemma for autocrats from Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping: Once political rivals are eliminated, the supreme leader continues to hunt down any potential threats to his absolute power, including within his inner circle. Admiral Miao Hua, who has had close ties to Xi for decades, is a perfect example of the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal that often characterize authoritarian regimes.
Beyond palace intrigue, this recent purge raises deeper questions about the resilience and long-term viability of Xi Jinping’s regime. As the Chinese leader continues his crusade against corruption and dissent, he must juggle internal rivalries, geopolitical stakes, and the growing challenges China faces on the international stage. The future of China and its military remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: the aftershocks of the political earthquake triggered by Admiral Miao Hua’s fall will continue to be felt in the corridors of power in Beijing.