Top military body aims to root out ill discipline

The Central Military Commission, China's top military decision-making body, recently issued several regulations aimed at vigorously promoting fine traditions, "thoroughly eliminating pernicious influences, and reshaping the image and authority of political officers", according to a report by the Chinese military's flagship newspaper on Monday.

In Chinese political narratives, the phrase "eliminating pernicious influences" typically refers to addressing and removing the negative impact of officials or officers found to be violating laws or disciplines.

These regulations focus on restoring and promoting the glorious traditions and excellent conduct of the Communist Party of China and the military, specifying the "iron rules "for political officers, particularly political leaders, to take the lead in strictly eliminating harmful practices and reshaping their image and authority, the report of the People's Liberation Army Daily said.

The regulations consist of 22 articles across seven areas, setting clear rules for political officers to follow in order to strengthen political loyalty, adhere to Party discipline, and ensure fairness and integrity in personnel management, it said.

Political officers are required to lead by example, setting a standard with their strong conduct and image in order to inspire and earn the trust of the troops, according to the report.

In a commentary published on Monday, the PLA Daily said that political work is the "greatest characteristic and advantage" of the military.

The recently issued regulations clarify what political officers "should do and must not do" in terms of moral conduct and work, it said.

They set "political red lines, limits on the use of power, boundaries for social interactions, and warnings for integrity," essentially serving as a solemn commitment to Party organizations at all levels and the vast number of officers and soldiers, it said.

A number of senior military officers have fallen from grace in recent years as a result of a sweeping campaign launched by central authorities to root out corruption within the military. In late June, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, voted to remove Miao Hua from his position as a member of the Central Military Commission.

Last November, the Ministry of National Defense announced that Miao, also the former head of the CMC's Political Work Department, was under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline.

In June 2024, former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were expelled from the Party and stripped of their qualification as delegates to the 20th CPC National Congress, for serious violations of discipline and laws. The two were suspected of taking bribes.