China's Xi Jinping Elevates Generals Amid Military Reforms

WHO:

ABC News - Xi Jinping, head of the military and President of China

ABC News - Zhang Shuguang, newly promoted general and head of the division investigating corruption at the Central Military Commission

ABC News - Wang Gang, newly promoted general and air force commander

South China Morning Post - Zhang Shengmin, current Vice Chair of the Central Military Commission

South China Morning Post - Liu Zhenli and Miao Hua, former members of the Central Military Commission under investigation

WHAT:

ABC News - Two new generals, Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, were promoted in a military reorganization.

South China Morning Post - Zhang Shuguang was promoted from lieutenant general to full general and appointed as the head of the Central Military Commission’s Discipline Inspection Commission.

South China Morning Post - Wang Gang was promoted to full general and appointed as head of the PLA Air Force.

ABC News - The Central Military Commission has been reduced to two members due to corruption investigations.

WHERE:

ABC News - Beijing, China

WHEN:

ABC News - A new commission is expected to be announced in the fall of next year, at the end of the current commission's five-year term.

WHY:

ABC News - The military shake-up is part of an effort to ensure loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi Jinping amid a long-running anti-corruption drive.

HOW:

ABC News - The promotions were presented at a ceremony by Xi Jinping.

(UPDATED July 4, 2026 11:21 UTC)

In a significant military reorganization in Beijing, President Xi Jinping has promoted two new generals, Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang, with Zhang now heading the Central Military Commission’s Discipline Inspection Commission and Wang leading the PLA Air Force. This shake-up comes amid ongoing corruption investigations that have reduced the Central Military Commission to just two members, reflecting an effort to reinforce loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi Jinping. A new commission is expected to be announced in the fall of next year, coinciding with the end of the current commission's five-year term.