According to the South China Morning Post, Chinese President Xi Jinping has approved a shock officers change within the Communist Party, removing Li Ganjie and Shi Taifeng from their positions. In what experts describe as a corporate reorganization ahead of the 2027 party congress, the two men now take over the other’s past departments.
Why is it important?
- This unprecedented work switch breaks with Chinese social hierarchy’s established standards. One of the most effective levers of control for the Communist Party is the Organization Department, which oversees inside promotions and external influence campaigns, and the United Front Work Department, which are both now under new leadership.
- The change also reflects Xi’s wider plan to overthrow possible rivals and advance his perspective for China’s future. Despite the fact that Xi’s anti-corruption plan, which has been a cornerstone of his tenure, disciplined millions of authorities over the past ten years, he continues to warn that bone is still the “biggest danger” to the CCP.
- In a country where China is under increasing economic and geopolitical pressures, Xi sends the message that no one is above scrutiny by targeting also loyalists, creating a environment of fear and obedience that stifles dissent and risks administrative paralysis.
- These advancements have sparked controversy about Xi’s long-term goals and the balance of the CCP. Some view the change as a sign of strength, demonstrating Xi’s ability to change the party at will, while others see it as a response to growing interior animosities, whether from the party elite, the military, or the general public.
The overall image
According to the SCMP review, Li Ganjie, 60, is now in charge of the United Front Work Department. Li, a technocrat with extensive experience in radioactive safety and environmental policy, has seen a rapid fall, making him the youngest part of the 24-man Politburo.
Shi Taifeng, 68, takes over the organization section, giving him the reins over the transparent system of senior visits. He has previously worked for Xi at the Central Party School.
What they are saying
This personnel change seems strange, as for exchanges have never taken place before, according to Deng Yuwen, erstwhile lieutenant editor of the Party School’s Study Times. He speculated that the action was “preparing for the 2027 21st group congress,” adding that Xi is likely to be putting trusted supporters in important positions.
Zoom in
- The United Front Work Department manages ties with leaders in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan as well as religious groups, ethnic minority, and international Chinese.
- The Organization Department, on the other hand, controls the organization’s large political bureaucracy. Under Xi’s rule, its operations have become more secretive and loyal, particularly during Chen Xi’s time as Li’s and Xi’s companion.
What comes future?
This time, especially at the municipal and governmental levels, is anticipated to have a wider wave of appointments. This shuffle may indicate how Xi intends to form the 2027 Politburo line-up, probably extending his influence well beyond a second term.
The bottom line
The Li-Shi switch highlights Xi Jinping’s unwavering effort to build a legacy-proof CCP. By redrawing the internal image of control, Xi is also rewriting the rules, not only playing new roles.
