China: Top-ranking military officers reshuffled

Beijing has named a new air force commander and reshuffled other top military positions ahead of next month's appointment of new Communist Party leaders.

The new head of the air force, Ma Xiaotian, is the former deputy chief of staff. He is well known as a participant in the Chinese military's overseas exchanges.

The People's Liberation Army is an influential political force and is expected to play a significant role in decisions made at the Communist Party's Congress.

AP