Can China’s ‘firefighter’ Wang Qishan break the deadlock with US over trade?
‘Pragmatic’ former anti-graft tsar is expected to take on the vice-president job as Beijing looks to shift gear on diplomacy to cope with a more hawkish US
Foreign diplomats and businesspeople expect China’s former anti-graft tsar to play a key role in de-escalating trade tensions with the United States, and that he could also get global relations higher up the nation’s policymaking agenda.
Containing tensions with Washington and other economic trouble spots are expected to be the top priorities for Wang Qishan – known for his “firefighting” skills and ability to handle the tough tasks – when he takes charge of diplomatic issues as China’s new vice-president, a role he is expected to be handed on Saturday.
The 69-year-old’s return to the top hierarchy comes as Beijing looks to shift gear on diplomacy to cope with a more hawkish US administration under President Donald Trump and also as Beijing is becoming more assertive.
The National People’s Congress, the legislature, will elect the new vice-president on Saturday morning, with Wang highly likely to replace Li Yuanchao – and in the process add substance to what has been a largely ceremonial position, especially given the US mission.
