Army elevates new generation of officers

A major adjustment of personnel has taken place within six major Military Area Commands in advance of the August 1 Army Day, with a considerable number of affected army officials possessing previous battle experience, a move seen by analysts as laying the groundwork for structural reform of the military.

The mass reallocation and promotion involves dozens of senior officials in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and affects six out of China's seven major Military Area Commands as of Monday.

The news comes on the heels of the PLA Daily's July 11 report on President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping commissioning newly promoted generals at a promotion ceremony, and the PLA announcing the reallocation of senior officials among the Military Area Commands.

Among the newly promoted officials, Xu Yong, 55, commander of the Tibet Military Area Command, reportedly participated in the war of counterattack in self-defense against Vietnam, as well as leading the PLA's rescue efforts following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

"Having frontline operation and battle experience as well as commanding experience has become essential for the new generation of military leaders," Song Zhongping, a military expert, told the Global Times.

Song believed the promotion was part of China's push to safeguard national security by strengthening its military along the border of a sensitive region.

"The situation in China's neighborhood has become increasingly complicated," he added, citing the East China Sea and South China Sea.

Experience in non-combat military operations is another major criterion for those rising in rank, reported the Beijing Youth Daily.

Tan Muhong, ex-commander of Hainan Military Area Command and now appointed the commander of the PLA garrison in Hong Kong, has previously served in Hong Kong and has extensive experience in flooding and earthquake rescue operations.

All of this year's newly promoted generals are born after 1950.

The promotion also increased the number of commanders born after 1955 to four, including Miao Hua, Lanzhou's political commissar, Zhao Zongqi, Jinan's commander, Zheng Weiping, Nanjing's political commissar, and Zhu Fuxi, Chengdu's political commissar.

Song expects that after this round of personnel changes, the PLA will see a major shift in personnel allocation, so as to develop well-rounded military leaders who can lead battles on land, at sea, and in the air.

"The personnel adjustment have come as part of comprehensive military reform that will strengthen China's ability in future military combats," noted Song.