Many have assumed major portfolios previously held by full generals, having recently been promoted from within their respective departments. Several others attained the rank of lieutenant general less than a year ago, according to the SCMP tally, even though they are roughly the age their full general predecessors were when assuming the same leadership roles.
“Many of them have had a relatively short tenure as lieutenant generals, but they are fulfilling the duties of full generals,” noted a Chinese political expert who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
“These lieutenant generals will face challenges – they haven’t served as senior military leaders long enough. Compared to more senior full generals, they need time to adapt to a higher perspective and establish leadership within their departments,” the expert added.
A defining moment
These internal shifts come at a pivotal moment for China’s military and political trajectory.
