China Elevates a New Generation to Run Key State Institutions
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Wang Meng,
A wave of appointments in September has elevated several officials born in the 1980s to senior roles, highlighting a generational shift in leadership at key Chinese institutions, including top universities and the Communist Party’s official newspaper.
On Sept. 5, Wang Meng, born in December 1984, was promoted to president of Hefei University of Technology, making him the youngest person to lead a university directly under the Ministry of Education. Days later, on Sept. 12, Yin Jingwei, born in 1980, was appointed president of Harbin Engineering University.
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- Several officials born in the 1980s were elevated to senior roles in China in September, including Wang Meng (president of Hefei University of Technology), Yin Jingwei (president of Harbin Engineering University), and Du Shangze (People’s Daily editorial board).
- These appointments signal a generational shift, with “post-80s” leaders rising at major institutions.
- Ren Yuzhong, a “post-80s” vice president at Peking University, was investigated for alleged corruption during this period.
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What Happened When
- Late August 2025：
- Du Shangze was appointed to the editorial board of the People’s Daily and as director of the political and cultural department.
- September 5, 2025：
- Wang Meng was promoted to president of Hefei University of Technology.
- September 12, 2025：
- Yin Jingwei was appointed president of Harbin Engineering University.
- September 17, 2025：
- Authorities announced that Ren Yuzhong, vice president of Peking University, had turned himself in and was under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law.
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