China has pushed through its biggest government restructuring since 1998, when then-premier Zhu Rongji set in train a wave of liberalising economic reforms. But the current re-organisation, which eliminates six ministries, two ministry-level agencies and seven vice-ministry level institutions, is intended not so much to liberalise as to tighten administrative control.
Control is the leitmotif of China’s “new era” under Xi Jinping, who at the weekend was unanimously reappointed to a second five-year term in office by the National People’s Congress (NPC). Other key roles have been filled with some of Mr Xi’s closest associates.
Wang Qishan, former head of Mr Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, was named vice-president and is expected to wield significant influence. In particular, he is likely to be called on to manage deteriorating relations with the US.