BEIJING - Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), on Friday presented certificates of order at a ceremony to promote seven senior military and armed police officers 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.

The promoted officers are Political Commissar of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Liu Qingsong, Commander of the PLA Central Theater Command Wu Ya'nan, Political Commissar of the PLA Central Theater Command Xu Deqing, Political Commissar of the PLA Army Qin Shutong, Political Commissar of the PLA Navy Yuan Huazhi, Commander of the PLA Rocket Force Li Yuchao and Political Commissar of the People's Armed Police Force Zhang Hongbing.

Xi extended his congratulations to the officers, who saluted him and the audience.

Xi and other leaders posed for group photos with the promoted officers.

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