The reshuffle of the top leadership in Xinjiang has come both as a surprise and no surprise. The removal of Wang Lequan, known as the 'Emperor of Xinjiang' for his iron-fisted rule and for his fiery rhetoric, has been well expected following the deadly ethnic violence last July, which left nearly 200 dead, and the hypodermic needle attack scares in September.
The choice of his successor, Zhang Chunxian, is surprising because of his liberal-minded outlook and populist style.
Of course, that has raised high expectations that the mainland leaders intend to put a softer side on policies towards ethnic minorities, mostly Muslim Uygurs. While that may be true, any hope that the central government may, for instance, allow more autonomy or religious freedom may prove premature.
Wang, 66, had worked in Xinjiang as a leading official for nearly 20 years and was the top Communist Party boss for 15 years. Some overseas media have described him as an ally of President Hu Jintao , but in fact he owed his political career to former president Jiang Zemin .
As a Shandong native known for his passion for strong rice liquor, he ran the energy-rich but restive region, which accounts for about one-sixth of the mainland's territory, with an iron fist.
But his tenure became untenable after thousands of Han Chinese took to the streets and openly demanded that he resign following the deadly violence last year. The central government has put the blame for the violence squarely on separatists headed by the exiled Uygur leader Rebiya Kadeer.