In a move that has raised eyebrows within military and political circles, Chinese President and Central Military Commission (CMC) Chairman Xi Jinping on Monday promoted Chen Hui to the rank of general, the highest rank for active-duty officers in China. General Chen Hui, now the Political Commissar of the Army of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), replaces General Qin Shutong, whose abrupt departure remains unexplained.

Chen Hui’s Rapid Ascent

Chen’s promotion is notable for its speed and the circumstances surrounding it. Before this appointment, the 61-year-old served as the political commissar of the newly established PLA Aerospace Force, a position he held for less than a year. His background in the Air Force and Aerospace Force makes his transfer to lead the ground forces—a role traditionally requiring substantial ground force experience—unexpected.

The official announcement from state news agency on 23rd Dec, highlighted Chen’s role in managing manpower and fostering political loyalty within the PLA’s ground forces. This comes amid a broader push by Xi Jinping to strengthen discipline and consolidate control over the military, particularly as tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait.

The Mystery Surrounding Qin Shutong

General Chen replaces Qin Shutong, also 61, who was notably absent from the promotion ceremony—a departure from tradition. Ground Force Commander Li Qiaoming was also missing from the event, according to footage from state broadcaster China Central Television. No official explanation has been provided for Qin’s absence or his next assignment.

Adding to the intrigue, Qin’s predecessor stepped down at the customary retirement age of 65, making Qin’s sudden departure unusual. Speculation about his fate has been fueled by reports that surfaced in September 2024 from a pro-American Chinese source, which claimed Qin had been arrested. However, these allegations remain unverified, and Chinese authorities have not addressed them publicly.

Chen’s appointment and Qin’s unexplained departure occur against the backdrop of a sweeping anti-corruption campaign led by Xi Jinping. Earlier in December, China executed Li Jianping, a former official in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for his involvement in the country’s largest-ever corruption case, totaling over USD 421 million.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), China’s top anti-graft body, has intensified its efforts, launching investigations into a record number of high-ranking officials. Last year, the CCDI announced probes into 45 “tigers” (a term for senior cadres), but this year, that number has already climbed to 54, according to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

Chen’s appointment reflects Xi Jinping’s broader strategy of ensuring political loyalty and discipline within the PLA amidst ongoing corruption scandals and military reforms. His promotion, despite limited ground force experience, signals a potential shift in leadership priorities, favoring adaptability and allegiance to Xi’s vision over traditional career trajectories.

The surprising promotion of General Chen Hui and the unexplained removal of General Qin Shutong highlight the ongoing turbulence within China’s military and political apparatus. As Xi Jinping tightens his grip on the PLA and accelerates anti-corruption efforts, questions remain about the opaque processes behind these leadership changes. The developments underscore the challenges of navigating internal discipline and external pressures in China’s evolving strategic landscape.