Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses with Wang Qiang, commander of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, after presenting a certificate at a ceremony to promote Wang to the rank of general. Xi extended his congratulations to Wang, who saluted Xi and all the attendees of the event, including CMC vice-chairmen Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia. [LI GANG/XINHUA]

BEIJING - Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), on Thursday presented a certificate of order at a ceremony to promote Wang Qiang, commander of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, to the rank of general.

The ceremony was held by the CMC in Beijing. General is the highest rank for officers in active service in China.

Xi extended his congratulations to Wang, who saluted Xi and all the attendees of the event.

Xu Qiliang, CMC vice chairman, announced the order of promotion at the ceremony, which was presided over by CMC vice chairman Zhang Youxia.