China Central Television (CCTV) announced last week that President Xi Jinping promoted Zhang Shuguang to the rank of general. Zhang has extensive experience in the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) discipline inspection.

General Zhang was also appointed Secretary of the Central Military Commission's (CMC) Discipline Inspection Commission and Director of the CMC Supervision Commission. He replaces Zhang Shengmin, who held the position since 2017.

Xi also promoted Wang Gang to general, appointing him Commander of the PLA Air Force. Wang previously served as Chief of the Air Force Training Bureau, Assistant Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Commander of the Air Force.

The rank of general is the highest for active professional soldiers in the PLA. This marks the first time Xi has conferred the rank of general since 12/2025, when commanders of the Eastern and Central Theater Commands were promoted.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin (front row, right), General Zhang Shuguang (back row, left), and General Wang Gang (back row, right) photographed on 3/7. *Xinhua*.

These appointments come as President Xi's years-long anti-corruption campaign within the military intensifies. Since 2023, at least 26 Chinese generals have been investigated. Two former defense ministers received suspended death sentences in May.

The number of incumbent members on the CMC for the 2022-2027 term has significantly decreased. Many former members are under investigation, including former CMC vice chairmen, two former defense ministers, and several other high-ranking generals.

Currently, only Xi, as CMC Chairman, and Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin remain as active members of the Chinese Communist Party's supreme military leadership. The CMC oversees and directs all activities of China's military and armed police.

Earlier this year, Xi also required senior PLA officers to attend a 10-week political study course. He emphasized that all self-serving and corrupt behavior is "completely incompatible with the nature and purpose of the party."

By Thanh Danh (Sources: Reuters, Xinhua, SCMP)