High-ranking military official in China suspended and placed under investigation [Video]

BEIJING – A member of China’s powerful Central Military Commission has been suspended and put under investigation, the country’s Defense Ministry said Thursday.

Miao Hua was director of the political work department on the commission, which oversees the People’s Liberation Army, the world’s largest standing military. He was one of five members of the commission in addition to its leader, Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said Miao is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” which usually alludes to corruption.

It is the third recent major shakeup for China’s defense establishment. In June, China announced that former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were expelled from the ruling Communist Party and accused of corruption.

Yet, the high-level investigation is not likely to have any significant consequences, given Xi’s tight grip on power.

“Most countries would incur at least some reputational cost to their international …