Myanmar's army chief, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, reshuffled top posts on Friday, promoting his intelligence chief and other officers leading efforts to present the military as a responsible partner in a democratic transition.

Military intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Mya Tun Oo was promoted to the joint chief of staff of the army, navy and air force — the de facto third-most-senior position and one seen as a steppingstone to becoming army chief.

The promotion comes shortly after Min Aung Hlaing decided to stay on as army chief for the next five years and appears aimed at consolidating his power base as he forges a delicate relationship with new government leader Aung San Suu Kyi.