Wang Qishan elected to China's National Assembly
Former anti-corruption boss Wang Qishan has been elected to the National People's Congress, a sign that he could become the next vice president.
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Xi Jinping (right) and close ally Wang Qishan. Photo:Chinanews. |
Mr. Wang is among 118 people elected as deputies to China's National People's Congress from Hunan province,Straits TimesThe announcement was released yesterday. Next March, delegates will attend the National People's Congress meeting and elect the new leadership of the State Council of China for the 2018-2023 term.
Mr. Wang, 69, gave up all key party positions last October, including membership of the Politburo Standing Committee, the Politburo and the Central Committee.
Normally, this would mean he would retire when he exceeds the official age limit for party leaders of 68.
However, since October last year, many people have been speculating that he will become vice-chairman. Hong Kong newspapers Sing Tao and South China Morning Post both reported this information.
Although the vice-presidential post is largely ceremonial, it will allow Mr. Wang to continue to hold a key political role in the government, in areas such as foreign affairs and the economy.
Mr. Wang rarely appears in public or in the media, but is often described as the second most powerful politician in China. In November 2017, he attended a state banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping for US President Donald Trump. He is considered Mr. Xi's right-hand man and has done well in the anti-corruption campaign.