Ling Jihua, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of The United Front Work Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has been put under investigation for serious disciplinary violations, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

The news, while sensational, did not come as a surprise to many. For quite a while, rumors have swirled since he was moved from his post as the director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee before the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. Suspicions about Ling have increased among the public since allegations that a close relative was involved in a fatal Ferrari crash in 2012 became public knowledge. Earlier this year, two of his brothers, one a senior local government official and the other a businessman, were investigated and arrested.

Ling's fall sends a strong signal to the public that the anti-graft endeavor will be a long-running undertaking. No matter how powerful or high-ranking a government official is, there is no chance they will find immunity from the punishment they deserve. This line of thinking has been embedded in the minds of the public since former security chief Zhou Yongkang was snared this year.

China's new leaders are exerting unprecedented efforts to crack down on corruption. The central government has decided to face its problems directly. Such an attitude gives hope and confidence to Chinese society.

That "all are equal before the law" has been a tenet among the Chinese public for decades, but it was not until recently that it became a faith. Ling counted among the most powerful in elite government circles, but the discipline of the Party and the law won't afford him any leniency for his violations.

His authority and position cannot serve as a talisman. Every "tiger" that is exposed during the process of advancing the rule of law will further consolidate the endeavor.

We can tell from these rumors that Ling's family was consumed by the power he possessed and abused it for ill-gotten gains. They have lost any basic respect for the law. It is very likely that Ling also used his power to help his family cover up their dirty deeds.

As a former high-level official, his misdeeds have tainted the image of the Party and the country. He owes an apology to all Party members as well as to the public.

All government officials should take heed of the lengthening list of negative examples. Along with the development of the investigation, more details of Ling's case will be revealed.

We believe Chinese law enforcement organs will deal with this case fairly and squarely on a legal basis. This will make another milestone in China's rule of law.