The Central Military Commission promoted seven senior military officers on Thursday to the rank of general, the highest rank for officers in active service in China.

Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping presented the officers with certificates of command, shook hands with them and extended his congratulations at a promotion ceremony in Beijing.

The promoted officers include Commander of the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army He Weidong, Political Commissar of the PLA Eastern Theater Command He Ping, Political Commissar of the PLA Southern Theater Command Wang Jianwu and Commander of the PLA Northern Theater Command Li Qiaoming.

Also among the promoted officers are Commander of the PLA Rocket Force Zhou Yaning, Commander of the PLA Strategic Support Force Li Fengbiao and President of the PLA Academy of Military Science Yang Xuejun.

Commission Vice-Chairman Xu Qiliang announced the order of promotion signed by Xi. The ceremony was presided over by Zhang Youxia, also a vice-chairman of the commission.

The last promotion ceremony was held on July 31, ahead of China's Army Day, which falls annually on Aug 1. Ten other senior officers were promoted to general or admiral.