BEIJING (AP) — China’s military has elevated two officers to the rank of general, a move that analysts believe may signal an upcoming reshuffling at the highest levels of military command following a sweeping anti-corruption campaign.
The ongoing crackdown is widely viewed as part of an effort to strengthen the military’s allegiance to China’s ruling Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, who also serves as the head of the military.
At a ceremony held Friday, Xi personally presented promotion orders to Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang, both of whom were elevated to the rank of general. In addition to his promotion, Zhang was appointed to lead the corruption investigation unit within the Central Military Commission — the military’s highest governing body.
The two newly promoted generals are now considered potential candidates to fill open seats on the seven-member Central Military Commission, which has been whittled down to just two active members as a result of the corruption investigations.
Xi chairs the commission, and Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin is currently its only other functioning member. Two former vice chairs — including the military’s highest-ranking general — have been removed or effectively pushed out amid the probe.
The commission’s current five-year term is set to conclude in the fall of next year, at which point a new commission is expected to be formally announced.
