CHINA-INTERNAL: LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS
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According to Xinhua, China's Minister of State Security, 65-year old Geng Huichang was on November 1, 2016, named as the Deputy Director of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee’s panel on Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese affairs. He is likely to step down soon. An announcement on November 7, 2016, said that Geng Huichang will be succeeded by Chen Wenqing, the Party Secretary of Ministry of State Security’s Communist Party committee. A key ally of CDIC Chairman Wang Qishan, Chen Wenqing started his career as a policeman in Sichuan province and was Wang’ Qishan's deputy at the CDIC from 2012-2015. Two other appointments were: Cai Fuchao, former head of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, as Deputy Director of the CPPCC Committee for Education, Science, Culture and Health; Liu Peng, former Director of State General Administration of Sports, as Deputy Director of the CPPCC Foreign Affairs Committee; and appointment of Huang Shuxian, who was the Minister of Supervision and a Deputy Chief at the CDIC, as Minister of Civil Affairs vice Li Liguo, who is rumoured to be under investigation for corruption.
The official news agency Xinhua also reported that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress has named 59-year old Xiao Jie as the new Finance Minister,. He replaces veteran finance official and Minister 65-year old Lou Jiwei who will take over as Chinairman of China's National Pension Fund.
(Comment: Xiao Jie worked for three years as Vice Secretary General of the State Council, an important aide to Premier Li Keqiang, and was previously the country’s tax chief. The moves are seen as Xi Jinping positioning 'his men' for elevation to higher Party positions at the XIXth Party Congress late next year. In addition, more than 60% of the 376-seat Central Committee—which includes ministers, state industry chiefs and army generals—are expected to be replaced. )
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