In the recent re-elections of leaderships in Communist Party of China (CPC)'s provincial committees, many former chiefs in publicity department or media organs were elected as the new secretaries, an article from Hong Kong-based-Takungpao observed.

CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee Secretary, Zhang Baoshun once worked as deputy director of Xinhua News Agency, while Bai Keming who served as president of the People's Daily, is now Secretary of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee. Furthermore, the secretary of CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee Li Yuanchao was formerly vice minister of the State Council Information Office and the secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee Liu Qibao was once deputy editor-in-chief of People's Daily.

To see so many former media chiefs heading local Party committees is rare in Chinese affairs. However, their professional skills will be helpful after assuming office.

Xu Guangchuan, former vice minister of the Publicity Department of the CCCPC (Central Committee of the CPC) and director-general of the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, launched an image-promoting project shortly after becoming Secretary of CPC Henan Provincial Committee. He invited domestic and overseas media to visit Henan time and again to help to disperse the province's negative stereotype. Meanwhile, people can see advertising posts for Henan in the subway systems in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other major cities.

Another example is Shi Zongyuan, now secretary of CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee. Shi was former director of the General Administration of Press and Publication. Guizhou is among the poorest provinces in the country, with its per capita GDP ranking bottom on domestic ranking. Upon taking the new post in the province, Shi has ordered to hold several promotion activities nationwide to let more people to know the region while paying attention to its economic development.

The newspaper pointed out that these former publicity chiefs are switching their attention to a wider range of issues while taking the post of provincial head. Economic development is the first thing in their mind and the prime task they have to face and fulfill. Therefore, while their background gives them some advantages in the PR field, they are facing challenges in managing these large provinces, which are well known for big population and economic headaches.  

Who's Who in China's Leadership

Province View

(www.chinanew.com, translated by Li Shen for China.org.cn, November 30, 2006)