Shenzhen appointments reflect city's change
Three new appointments to top official positions reflect how Shenzhen is evolving, observers say.
Xu Qin , the National Development and Reform Commission's secretary for high technology, and Li Feng , former chief of the Shenzhen public security bureau, were named yesterday as the city's new deputy mayors, while former deputy mayor Li Ming will take over Li Feng's role as head of the police bureau.
Mr Xu is expected to take up where former executive deputy mayor Liu Yingli left off in realising closer co-operation with Hong Kong, especially in the hi-tech sector, and fulfilling the border city's ambitions to be a national innovation hub.
Mainland media applauded Mr Xu's appointment, saying it was a boost from the central and provincial authorities. The Beijing official has an extensive academic background and work experience in the hi-tech sector.
He has long played a strategic role in the city's annual hi-tech fair and was among the decision-makers who shaped the mainland's 3G (third-generation) telecommunications scheme.
Mr Liu stepped down early last month because of age, but Mr Xu is expected to take on his predecessor's job at the helm of a feasibility study on ownership and future uses of the Lok Ma Chau Loop.
Deputy Mayor-elect Li Feng will oversee issues associated with public security, migrant workers and social insurance, matters that analysts and the public have voiced great concerns about as the city struggles to deal with a rapidly expanding population.
Just 14 months after he was elected deputy mayor, Li Ming has been transferred to head the public security bureau. Before taking the deputy mayor's job, Mr Li served as party secretary and director of Longgang and Luohu districts, both hot spots for crime in Shenzhen.
Mainland media previously reported that Li Ming was promoted to help with preparations for the 2011 Summer Universiade, a sporting competition for university students, in the city.
