On December 22, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his capacity as chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), personally presented certificates promoting two senior People's Liberation Army (PLA) officers to the rank of general—the highest rank for active-duty officers in China. The ceremony, held at the August 1 Building in Beijing, elevated Yang Zhibin, commander of the PLA Eastern Theater Command, and Han Shengyan, commander of the PLA Central Theater Command.
Vice Chairman of the CMC Zhang Youxia announced the promotion orders, which were signed by Xi, while fellow Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin presided over the event. Xi extended congratulations to the newly promoted generals, posing for group photos with them and other CMC leaders. State media emphasized the promotions as recognition of the officers' contributions to military modernization and readiness.
The Eastern Theater Command, under Yang Zhibin, oversees operations in the East China Sea, including potential contingencies involving Taiwan—a focal point of PLA planning amid heightened cross-strait tensions. The Central Theater Command, led by Han Shengyan, is responsible for defending Beijing, Tianjin, and surrounding provinces, maintaining strategic reserves, and supporting capital security.
These appointments follow recent leadership changes in both theaters. Yang and Han were installed as commanders earlier in 2025, replacing predecessors affected by investigations. The promotions mark Xi's first general conferments in 2025 and signal efforts to stabilize command structures after a turbulent period.
The event occurs against the backdrop of an intensified anti-corruption campaign within the PLA, which has ensnared numerous high-ranking officers since 2023. In October 2025, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) formally expelled nine senior military officials from the party and stripped them of their ranks for "serious violations of discipline and law," a euphemism for corruption involving "especially huge" sums. Among those ousted were former CMC Vice Chairman He Weidong—previously the second-highest military official after Xi—and CMC member Miao Hua, director of the CMC Political Work Department. Other expelled officers included former Eastern Theater Command Commander Lin Xiangyang and several Rocket Force leaders.
The expulsions, announced ahead of the Fourth Plenum of the 20th CCP Central Committee, reduced the CMC's membership significantly. The commission, traditionally comprising Xi as chairman, two vice chairmen, and three ordinary members, now operates with Xi, Vice Chairmen Zhang Youxia and Zhang Shengmin, and one remaining member—down from the customary structure. He Weidong's removal was particularly notable, as he had been a Politburo member and a rapid riser under Xi's third term.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Senior Col. Zhang Xiaogang described the actions as part of a "no forbidden zones, full coverage, zero tolerance" policy against corruption, initiated since the 2012 CCP Congress. Cases have been referred to military prosecutors, with potential criminal charges. Analysts note that while graft is cited, the purges also serve to enforce absolute loyalty to Xi, eliminate potential factions, and address procurement irregularities in sensitive branches like the Rocket Force, which manages China's nuclear arsenal.
The campaign has targeted over a dozen top generals since 2023, including former Defense Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, both implicated in corruption probes. Rocket Force commanders have been hit hard, reflecting concerns over equipment quality and strategic reliability. Absenteeism at recent party meetings—27 military officers among 37 missing from the Fourth Plenum—suggests ongoing investigations.
Despite the disruptions, PLA modernization continues apace, with defense spending increased by 7.2% in 2025 to approximately $246 billion. Recent drills around Taiwan and joint exercises with allies underscore operational focus. The promotions of Yang and Han, both viewed as trusted appointees, aim to restore confidence in theater-level leadership critical for deterrence and potential conflict scenarios.
Experts interpret the reshuffle as Xi consolidating control ahead of future party congresses, ensuring the military's "absolute leadership" by the CCP. While purges may temporarily affect cohesion, they are framed domestically as necessary for building a "world-class" force. Internationally, observers monitor implications for regional stability, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
This latest promotion ceremony reinforces Xi's direct oversight of personnel decisions, a hallmark of his tenure. As the PLA navigates internal cleansing, the elevated generals face heightened expectations to deliver on readiness amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
