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China’s 20th Party Congress
ChinaPolitics

Politburo newcomer and Xi protégé confirmed as China’s new propaganda chief before presenting summary of party congress

  • Li Shulei, 58, reported on the five-yearly party conclave to Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
  • Li will enforce Xi Jinping’s vision on ideology, films, internet and media and is expected to spearhead Beijing’s drive to shape global narrative on China

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Li Shulei, formerly No 2 in the central propaganda department, has been confirmed as Communist Party propaganda chief. Among his first tasks was to present a report on the recent 20th party congress. Photo: CCTV
Jun Maiin Beijing
Politburo newcomer and Xi Jinping protégé Li Shulei has been confirmed as the Communist Party’s propaganda chief, with one of his first tasks to present the key message from the recent 20th party congress.

The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday when Li, in his new capacity, attended a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

During the meeting, Li reported on the five-yearly conclave that concluded on Saturday and saw President Xi Jinping kick off a groundbreaking third term as the party’s leader.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping unveils new line-up of country's top decision-making body

Chinese President Xi Jinping unveils new line-up of country's top decision-making body

The week-long congress also saw a new line-up of the top echelon of the party unveiled, including the seven-man Politburo Standing Committee and the 24-strong Politburo.

Li, 58, is among 13 new members of the latest Politburo, the third led by Xi. His promotion to the top job at the central propaganda department had been expected, given his elevation to the No 2 position in the department hierarchy just four months before the party congress.

In his new capacity, Li will enforce Xi’s vision on ideology, films, the internet and the media. Li is also expected to spearhead Beijing’s drive to shape the global narrative about China.

It is among a dozen much-watched appointments following the congress, which will include new heads of other key party organs as well as the party chiefs of municipalities and key provinces.

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