China’s Communist Party congress next month will set the stage for a possible overhaul of the country’s top economic roles, coming at a crucial time for the world’s second-largest economy.
Premier Li Keqiang, economic czar Liu He, central bank Governor Yi Gang, banking regulator Guo Shuqing and Finance Minister Liu Kun are all likely to step down from their current positions by early next year, based on retirement age and term-limit norms for senior officials that President Xi Jinping is expected to largely stick to.
Who will take on those roles will become clearer at the once-in-five-year congress, where Xi is expected to secure a precedent-breaking third term as party chief. While the officials will remain in their government posts until at least March next year when the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, will effectively rubber stamp new appointments, promotions at next month’s conclave will signal who is in line for senior leadership posts.