New Prime Minister of China, Li Chiang

Li Chiang, a confidant of President Xi Jinping, was elected as its new prime minister China. The former head of the local branch of the Chinese Communist Party in Shanghai – the country’s largest city – will succeed Li Keqiang, who is retiring after two five-year terms at the conclusion of the annual work of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliament, the Monday.

The 63-year-old, a trusted ally of the president, will primarily be in charge of managing the world’s second-largest economy.

His image took a hit last spring due to the chaotic handling of the lockdown in Shanghai. However, it became clear that he was headed to become China’s new premier as early as October, when his name was announced second in the lineup of the CCP’s Politburo Standing Committee at its 20th congress.

Li Qiang was Xi Jinping’s chief of staff from 2004 to 2007, when the current head of state was still secretary of the local CCP organization in Zhejiang Province (east).

Xi Jinping is placing his people in key positions amid the most significant reshuffle of government, state and party machinery in a decade. The party’s general secretary, head of the military commission and head of state is further consolidating his power after being elected to an unprecedented third term as president on Friday, while politicians seen as reformers are being sidelined.