In a significant upheaval within its military hierarchy, China has voted to expel senior official Miao Hua from the Central Military Commission, which is the nation's highest military command structure. This dramatic decision was announced by Xinhua on June 27.

At 69, Miao became the latest casualty of President Xi Jinping's relentless anti-corruption campaign that has swept through the ranks of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Investigation into Miao was initiated in November due to "serious violations of discipline," resulting in his suspension from all duties.

Though specific details surrounding Miao's removal remain scarce, the move underscores the ongoing efforts by Xi to cleanse the military of corruption, which has implicated over a dozen generals and several executives from the defense sector.

Miao’s public profile has already begun to fade, with his image disappearing from the senior leadership section of the Chinese defense ministry website. Last month, he was also removed from the national legislature on similar charges of "serious violations of discipline and law."

In what reflects the ongoing turmoil within China's military leadership, another prominent figure, He Weidong, who holds the second-best rank in the Central Military Commission, has reportedly fallen off the radar since March 11. Often seen as a close ally of Xi, He has not appeared publicly after the annual parliamentary sessions, raising concerns about his status.

While the defense ministry claimed it had "no knowledge" of any detainment involving He, his absence from key events is noteworthy. His photo still graces the ministry's website, indicating heightened secrecy surrounding the current climate in China's military.

The crisis extends beyond Miao and He, as two former Chinese defense ministers have also faced expulsion from the Communist Party due to corruption allegations. Notably, Li Shangfu has been scrutinized for irregularities in military procurement.

In the midst of these shake-ups, the current Defence Minister Dong Jun's apparent freedom and public engagements raise questions about the reshuffle's criteria and future implications for China's military landscape. As the purge continues, the eyes of the world remain glued to Beijing, wondering who might be next on this perilous path.