Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s growing influence on economic policy shown as former subordinate joins top finance policy body
- Yan Pengcheng has been confirmed as one of He’s deputies at the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, a key party body
- The two have previously worked together at the top state economic planning agency
Yan Pengcheng, who served under He in various roles at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), has been appointed as a deputy head of the general office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission.
The latter is a powerful Communist Party body responsible for managing the world’s second-largest economy and He is director of the general office, which guides its everyday operations.
Yan’s new role was confirmed when his new title was used at a party international relations event in Beijing on Tuesday, which makes him He’s fourth deputy at the commission.
Before becoming vice-premier in March last year, He, now one of President Xi Jinping’s main economic advisers, was head of the NDRC, the top state planner.
His current role on the finance and economics commission was confirmed in October, indicating He’s growing influence as his predecessor Liu He gradually handed over the reins of economic policy.