State media shifted from the CPC's 105th anniversary to a synchronized report on military promotions. Xi Jinping elevated Zhang Shuguang, the new anti-corruption chief, and Air Force commander Wang Gang to the rank of general. This narrative dominated from mid-morning, with identical headlines across Xinhua, People's Daily, CCTV, and others, signaling a focus on military discipline and loyalty. Earlier, outlets continued amplifying the anniversary, publishing Xi's speech and a think tank report on his party-building thought. By afternoon, the promotions eclipsed all other stories. External sources diverged: SCMP analyzed military leadership changes and China's economic clout, while VOA and BBC Chinese covered US Independence Day and historical US-China ties. Hong Kong media reported a lawmaker's resignation after a drink-driving arrest.