Chinese Premier Li Qiang May Be Sidelined in His New Financial Role, Says Analyst

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 7, 2023. Mark Schiefelbein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is reportedly confirmed as head of China’s new financial watchdog—the Central Financial Commission (CFC)—after presiding over a finance meeting on Nov. 20. However, one China observer speculates that Vice Premier He Lifeng could marginalize his authority within the commission.

Mr. He, who was named the office director of the CFC earlier this month, is also the Communist Party secretary of the Central Financial Work Commission.