The latest round of appointments in a major military reshuffle has brought in younger officers, many of who mare in charge of political work, up to the level of deputy military command.

The reshuffle involved at least 16 officers who were almost all born between 1955 and 1959, with at least three born after 1960, Beijing Youth Daily quoted insiders as saying on Monday.

One of those three, Liu Zhenli, 51, the former commander of the 38th Army, became the new chief of staff of China's Armed Police Force and the youngest officer at his command level, according to available information, the newspaper said.