President Jiang Zemin has completed most preparations for a rejuvenated Central Military Commission that will lead the 2.5 million-strong People's Liberation Army into the 21st century.
The reshuffle will be finalised at the 16th Communist Party Congress in 2002 or earlier.
According to diplomatic sources, while it is likely Mr Jiang will remain commission chairman, he will give more authority to the newly appointed first vice-chairman, Vice-President Hu Jintao.
Two commission members, head of the General Armaments Department General Cao Gangchuan and Chief of Staff Fu Quanyou, are expected to be promoted to vice-chairmen.
They will replace the two ailing incumbent vice-chairmen, General Zhang Wannian and General Chi Haotian.
General Cao, 63, a Jiang protege, is tipped to be rewarded with Politburo membership.
General Fu, who at 68 will be the oldest man in the military to be allowed to remain at the PLA's top echelon, will probably assume the post of defence minister concurrently.