China’s military appoints two officers to the rank of general in a move linked by multiple reports to a thinning of leadership ranks following China’s long-running anti-corruption campaign. At a ceremony, President and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping issues promotion orders for Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang. The reports say the timing suggests possible reorganization at the top of the military command structure.
Zhang Shuguang is described as also serving as head of a division responsible for investigating corruption at the Central Military Commission, the military’s highest decision-making body. The commission is chaired by Xi and, according to the reports, has had its membership reduced as investigations remove several senior officials. With vacancies potentially emerging on the seven-member commission, some accounts describe Zhang and Wang as candidates who could move into roles to fill openings.
All outlets frame the promotions as part of broader efforts to consolidate control and ensure loyalty to the Communist Party leadership. The reporting does not provide details on the specific organizational changes that may follow, but it notes that further updates, including a possible new commission structure, could be announced.
