The sweeping anti-corruption drive in China’s military appears to have cleared the way for a new batch of officers to quietly assume de facto leadership of key People’s Liberation Army bodies. Many have assumed major portfolios previously held by full generals, having recently been promoted from within their respective departments. “These lieutenant generals will face challenges – they haven’t served as senior military leaders long enough. Compared to more senior full generals, they need time to adapt to a higher perspective and establish leadership within their departments.” A defining momentThese internal shifts come at a pivotal moment for China’s military and political trajectory.