By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-04-02 03:55:08 | Updated at 2025-04-03 05:39:42
1 day ago
In an unprecedented swap, the heads of the personnel department and influence machine of China’s ruling Communist Party have switched roles, the South China Morning Post has learned.
Li Ganjie has become head of the United Front Work Department and Shi Taifeng is the new chief of the Organisation Department, according to people familiar with the situation.
Li and Shi are members of the elite 24-man Politburo, but are not part of the core seven-member Standing Committee.
There is no previous case of Politburo members swapping positions. The usual term length for any position at the duo’s level is five years. Both were promoted to the Politburo at the 20th Party Congress in October 2022. Li was given his current job in April 2023 and Shi in October 2022.
In his new role, Shi, 68, will oversee the appointment and promotion of senior officials.
Meanwhile Li, 60, will take over a department responsible for stepping up party propaganda among Chinese who are not party members, as well as overseeing religious organisations and political groups inside and outside China. It is also responsible for wooing Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwanese and overseas Chinese.
