One of the country’s four new vice premiers, Ding Xuexiang, has been tipped to be the next official in charge of Hong Kong and Macau affairs, Hong Kong media outlet Sing Tao Daily reported.
Ding, a Politburo Standing Committee member elected as the country’s first vice-premier at the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) earlier this month, will reportedly succeed Han Zheng and take charge of the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs – a high-level taskforce under the decision-making body within the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The 60-year-old currently oversees macroeconomic planning for the Greater Bay Area, making him the right fit for the position considering his familiarity with the two SARs, Sing Tao Daily cited a source with knowledge about the possible appointment.
Ding made his way into the civil service at the age of 37 after working in the engineering field in Shanghai.
According to the news portal, it was in 2007 when he further rose to become part of Shanghai’s municipal committee under the CPC – and through his political role – he forged close ties with President Xi Jinping, as he served as his chief-of-staff.
Ding was director of the Office of CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping between 2013 and 2023.
News about Ding’s possible takeover also comes several days after Beijing floated a proposal for the country’s top office on Hong Kong and Macau affairs to report directly to the CPC Central Committee instead of the State Council.
