China's communist leadership is in the final stages of a massive transition of power . In addition to the huge reshuffles among political cadres underway across all but the highest levels of the government, changes in the top military ranks have quietly been taking shape. At least five of the 11 members of the Central Military Commission — which oversees military affairs — will step down, including one of the committee's two vice chairmen. As China is undergoing substantial military reform aimed at modernization, President Xi Jinping is engaged in the broadest effort to consolidate power over the military since the days of Deng Xiaoping and Mao Zedong. Sweeping anti-corruption crackdowns against senior military officials are underway. On Sept. 4, Reuters reported that Gen.