China has promoted two officers to the rank of general, marking a pivotal change in its military hierarchy. The promotions of Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang come amidst a broader effort to reinforce the loyalty of the military to the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping.

At a ceremony, Xi Jinping, who presides over the Central Military Commission (CMC), presented orders elevating Zhang Shuguang and air force commander Wang Gang to generals. Zhang Shuguang has taken on a crucial role, leading the division responsible for investigating corruption within the top military body.

The promotions may signal an impending restructuring of the commission, significantly impacted by corruption probes. Currently, the commission only has two active members: Xi Jinping and Vice Chair Zhang Shengmin. The removal of former top leaders due to corruption has thinned the ranks significantly, causing vacancies in the seven-member commission.

The Commission’s term is set to expire in the fall of next year, coinciding with the anticipated announcement of a new commission. These developments are seen as measures to secure the military’s alignment with China’s ruling party.