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Close Xi Jinping ally appointed as China’s new public security chief
- Wang Xiaohong will oversee policing and is the first professional officer in the job for 24 years
- He’s expected to push forward Xi’s ‘comprehensive’ national security vision and anti-graft drive
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A close ally of President Xi Jinping has been appointed as China’s new public security chief, the country’s top legislative body said in a notice on Friday.
Wang Xiaohong, 64, was promoted to minister of public security to oversee policing, replacing the more seasoned Zhao Kezhi, the 68-year-old who has been acting minister and is expected to retire in March.
A rising star in the ranks of China’s political and legal system, Wang is expected to further Xi’s national security vision and anti-corruption drive in the law enforcement apparatus.
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Wang is the first professional police officer to lead the ministry in 24 years, and unlike his four predecessors he has never been a top provincial official.
The move is part of a major reshuffle of central and local governments ahead of the ruling Communist Party’s congress to be held later this year.
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A new leadership line-up is expected to be unveiled at the twice-a-decade event but Xi is expected to secure a third term as the party’s leader.
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