Who are China's new leaders? The CCP just announced its new Politburo Standing Committee
The result: a clean sweep for Xi allies and a consolidation of power unseen since the Mao era
1. Xi Jinping
2. Li Qiang
3. Zhao Leji
4. Wang Huning
5. Cai Qi
6. Ding Xuexiang
7. Li Xi
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2. Li Qiang (63) likely new Premier of State Council
Li was Xi's top secretary when Xi was Zhejiang Party Secretary in the mid-2000s
Surprise as Premier. Li first Premier since 1976 not promoted from Vice Premier. He is inexperienced at national governance. Not good?
3. Zhao Leji (65) likely next Chairman of National People's Congress, in charge of legislating (Xi priority)
Zhao seems close w/Xi thru their fathers being revolutionary comrades from Shaanxi
Stays on PBSC but moved up from CCDI Secretary (no one serves more than 5yrs there)
4. Wang Huning (67) likely next Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (United Front)
Wang worked for Jiang Zemin & Hu Jintao but is key architect of XJP Thought
Stays on PBSC, moved up from heading CCP Secretariat, maybe he also stays ideology czar?
5. Cai Qi (67 in Dec) is next First Secretary of CCP Central Secretariat (influential role running party business)
Cai worked under Xi in Fujian (closely) and Zhejiang
Slightly surprising viz other Xi allies. Not widely tipped & first Beijing PS promoted to PSC since 2002
6. Ding Xuexiang (60) likely next Executive Vice Premier of State Council
Ding is Xi's chief-of-staff and was his top secretary when Xi was Shanghai PS in 2007
Expected, but surprising not to party but less-qualified-for state role, perhaps to avoid appearance he is successor?
7. Li Xi (66) is new Secretary of the CCP Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (anti-corruption & internal discipline)
Knows Xi from working for close family friend earlier in career
Li ranked 7th but CCDI role was previously 6th, maybe due to Ding's closeness to Xi?
Thoughts:
Xi's PSC broke experience norms but not age norms (except for Xi). What about 2027?
There is only a Xi faction. Maybe competition emerges b/w sub-factions?
The big question now is how long can Xi's dominance last? This PSC helps Xi's agenda but costs may mount
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