Four Appointments Including Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng, Close Associates of Xi Jinping, as Vice Premiers in China

Chinese Executive Branch 'State Council' Premier and Vice Premier Also Close Associates of President Xi

The Chinese administration was formed centered around Xi Jinping, the President of China, and his close associates. Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Party Central Politburo Standing Committee, and He Lifeng, a member of the Central Politburo, were nominated as new vice premiers.

On the 12th, Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of China, named Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Liu Guozhong, and Zhang Guoqing as vice premiers at the National People's Congress (NPC) meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Except for Ding Xuexiang, who is a member of the Party Central Politburo Standing Committee, the other three are all members of the Central Politburo. Ding Xuexiang and He Lifeng are considered longtime close associates of President Xi.

Ding Xuexiang, Newly Appointed Vice Premier of China

The day before, Premier Li Qiang was elevated from the Central Politburo Standing Committee to head of the Chinese administration. Li Qiang appeared as the sole candidate and was appointed premier with the recommendation of 2,936 out of 2,947 NPC delegates' votes. He is expected to lead the State Council for five years. If reappointed, he can serve up to a maximum of 10 years.

President Xi and Premier Li are scheduled to deliver speeches at the closing ceremony of the NPC on the 13th.