China's military has promoted two new generals, a move that may precede a broader reorganization of its top leadership following extensive anti-corruption investigations. The promotions are seen as an effort to ensure the military's continued loyalty to the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping.
Xi, who also chairs the Central Military Commission and commands the armed forces, presented orders promoting Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang to the rank of general on Friday. Zhang has also been appointed to lead the division investigating corruption within the Central Military Commission, the military's highest decision-making body.
These appointments could position the new generals to fill vacancies on the seven-member Central Military Commission, which has seen its ranks depleted to just two members, Xi and Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin, due to the ongoing corruption probes. Two former vice chairs, including the military's previously top general, have been removed as part of the anti-corruption campaign.
A new iteration of the commission is anticipated to be announced in the fall of next year, coinciding with the conclusion of the current commission's five-year term.