China’s Military Promotes Two Generals Amidst Anti-Corruption Efforts

China has recently promoted two officers to the rank of general, an action seen as a potential move towards reorganizing military leadership after a significant anti-corruption campaign reduced its ranks. This initiative appears aimed at reinforcing the military’s allegiance to the Communist Party and Xi Jinping, the nation’s leader.

Xi Jinping, who also chairs the Central Military Commission (CMC), presented the promotion orders to Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang during a ceremony in Beijing. Zhang Shuguang has additionally been appointed as the head of the division overseeing corruption investigations within the CMC, the military’s supreme authority.

The appointments of these two new generals could position them to fill upcoming vacancies on the seven-member commission. Due to corruption probes, the commission has dwindled to two active members, including Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin, alongside Xi.

Previously, the commission lost two vice chairs, one being the military’s highest-ranking general. A new commission lineup is anticipated by next fall, marking the conclusion of the current five-year term for the commission.