Key facts
- China promoted two officers, Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, to the rank of general.
- The promotions occur amid an ongoing anti-corruption purge within the military.
- Zhang Shuguang was appointed to lead the corruption investigation division within the Central Military Commission.
- The Central Military Commission has been significantly reduced in size due to corruption investigations.
- President Xi Jinping aims to modernize the armed forces and ensure their loyalty.
China's military has promoted two officers to the rank of general, a move seen as potentially paving the way for a reorganization at the top following a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has thinned the ranks of its leadership.
President Xi Jinping, who also heads the military, presented promotion orders to Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang at a ceremony. Zhang was also appointed to lead the division investigating corruption within the Central Military Commission, the military's highest body.
Analysts suggest these promotions could position the officers to fill vacancies on the seven-member commission, which has been significantly depleted by corruption investigations. Zhang, in particular, is considered a strong candidate.
Wang Gang is described as part of a new generation of People's Liberation Army Air Force elites with operational experience, given significant roles since the purges. The commission is chaired by Xi, with Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin as its only other active member. Two former vice chairs have been removed.
According to James Char, the purges have dismantled key military factions, providing Xi with a clearer path to select future leaders. However, K. Tristan Tang noted that the elevation of only four lieutenant generals to general suggests Xi is proceeding cautiously, vetting candidates before a broader reshuffle expected at the next Communist Party Congress when the commission's five-year term concludes.