On September 1, 2017, China's Ministry of National Defence announced the appointments of Han Weiguo as PLA Army (PLAA) Commander and 60-year old Ding Laihang as PLA Air Force (PLAAF) Commander. Shen Jinlong was appointed PLA Navy Commander early this year.

(Comment: General Han Weiguo had commanded the major parade at the Zhurihe Training Base in Inner Mongolia on August 1, 2017, where Xi Jinping had addressed the PLA on the occasion of the 90th anniversary. Han Weiguo was Commander of the Central Theatre Command. Han Weiguo graduated from the PLA's National Defense University and has a master's degree in military studies.Previous to this promotion, Ding Laihang was handling operations in the Northern Theatre Command. He is also a Deputy to the 18th NPC.)