On Monday, December 22, 2025, Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), presented promotion orders in Beijing, elevating two People's Liberation Army (PLA) officers to the rank of general, the highest active rank in the Chinese mainland's armed forces.
Yang Zhibin, commander of the Eastern Theater Command, and Han Shengyan, commander of the Central Theater Command, received certificates signed by Xi during the ceremony. Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the CMC, formally announced the promotions, while vice chairman Zhang Shengmin presided over the event.
The Eastern Theater Command holds strategic responsibilities across the Taiwan Strait region, overseeing operations to maintain stability. The Central Theater Command manages forces across China's heartland, coordinating large-scale training and rapid response units.
Analysts say these promotions underscore the Chinese mainland's ongoing efforts to modernize military leadership and strengthen command structures. By appointing experienced commanders to key theater posts, the PLA signals a new generation of leadership poised to guide strategic coordination and readiness.
Reference(s):
Xi presents orders to promote two military officers to rank of general
cgtn.com