When Beijing's foreign policy needed a new leader, they didn't go for the usual polished diplomat. Instead, they chose Liu Jianchao, a translator-turned-anti-corruption crusader with an uncommon resume. Now, after a "trial run" bolstering his international profile, Liu is poised to ascend as China's next foreign minister, taking the helm at a critical juncture in US-China relations.
Liu's path to power defies expectations. Unlike his predecessors, his experience lies not in navigating global intricacies, but in building ties with communist states and tackling internal corruption. Yet, it's precisely this "inside man" status and unwavering loyalty that caught Xi Jinping's eye, sources familiar with the decision reveal. With heightened party control and security a paramount concern, Liu fit the bill perfectly.
But before securing the coveted role, Liu needed a crash course in navigating the US, China's biggest geopolitical rival. Enter a strategic "trial run." While seasoned Wang Yi held the fort temporarily, Liu embarked on a diplomatic offensive, interacting with American think tanks, business icons, and even Secretary Blinken. The message was clear: "He's going to be the next foreign minister," whispered a US official.
Liu's ascent comes at a tense time. While Xi and Biden's recent meeting offered a glimmer of detente, domestic pressures in both nations complicate matters. China faces economic headwinds, while Biden grapples with re-election anxieties. Both powers yearn for stability, yet contentious issues like Taiwan, national security, and Belt and Road loom large.
Analysts, like former State Department official Daniel Russel, see Liu's appointment as a strategic move to ensure stability before the US elections and address China's domestic concerns. While navigating the complexities of US-China relations will be no easy feat, Liu's unconventional background and Xi's backing might just be the formula Beijing needs to navigate the coming storm.
