China's Defense Landscape Shaken with Investigation into Central Military Commission Member

China's defense establishment was rocked on Thursday with the announcement that Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission, had been placed under investigation for "serious violations of discipline", a term commonly used to refer to corruption. This move is the latest in a series of high-profile purges within China's military, amid Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's ongoing efforts to modernize the military and consolidate power.

Miao Hua, the director of the commission's political work department, was a senior member of the military prior to the investigation. Having risen through the ranks in the PLA's political department, he had previously served as the political commissar of the PLA's Navy. The investigation is significant as Miao is a member of the six-member Central Military Commission, which oversees China's military forces and is led by Xi Jinping. This position is considered a key post for rising military leaders, and Miao's case will likely be closely watched by observers.

The investigation into Miao's case is not unexpected, given his position and background. Experts say that his connection to Dong Jun, China's defense minister, who was also recently placed under investigation, may also be a factor in the probe. The investigation highlights concerns over Xi's consolidated power and the PLA's opaque leadership structure. Xi's anti-corruption campaign has been ongoing since his first term as leader and has led to the downfall of numerous high-profile officials.

The move comes on the heels of several other high-profile shakeups within China's defense establishment this year. In June, several high-ranking officials were expelled from the military. The investigation into Miao's case is likely to have little impact on Xi's grip on power, as he has maintained control over China's military for nearly a decade. However, it will be closely monitored by observers to see how it plays out and what revelations may come to light.

The investigation into Miao's case is the latest example of Xi's efforts to modernize and strengthen China's military. While the moves may be seen as a consolidation of power, they also signal Xi's commitment to rooting out corruption within the ranks. As the military continues to play an increasingly prominent role in Chinese politics and international affairs, the fate of the PLA's leadership will continue to be closely watched by observers around the world.