BEIJING, July 31 -- Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), on Monday presented certificates of order to promote the commander of the rocket force Wang Houbin and its political commissar Xu Xisheng to the rank of general.

Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the CMC, announced the order of promotion, which was signed by Xi. He Weidong, another CMC vice chairman, presided over the ceremony.

Xi extended his congratulations to the officers. Later, Xi and other leaders had group photos with them.

General is the highest rank for officers in active service in China.