Contenders for China’s new team

Just seven men vying for membership of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) will lead the world’s second-largest economy


Population of China
1.45 billion
(October 2022, estimate)

                                                                               
Xi Jinping, 69: Widely expected to clinch third five-year term as leader at Communist Party Congress

Li Keqiang, 67: Due to step down as premier when second term ends in March, but could stay on PSC
                  
1 2 3 4 5 6

1 Wang Yang, 67. Currently ranked fourth on PSC. Leading candidate to become premier

2 Hu Chunhua, 59. One of four vice premiers, could join PSC and possibly become premier
  
3 He Lifeng, 67. Tipped to replace Liu He as vice premier

4 Ding Xuexiang, 60. Director, general office of CCP
      
5 Li Qiang, 63. Shanghai party secretary, possible PSC member

6 Wang Yi, 68. Could replace foreign policy chief Yang Jiechi
      
Han Zheng, 68. Due to retire from PSC but could be kept on

Chen Min’er, 62. Trusted aide and candidate for PSC
      
Wang Xiaohong, 65. Minister of public security – possible PSC

Miao Hua, 66. Central Military Commission – possible PSC
      

Sources: Bloomberg, Brookings, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images, Brookings 
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