In a first in 14 years, China's top diplomat and border representative promoted to Politburo

In a major reform of China's foreign policy establishment, China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi was today promoted to the Communist Party of China's 25-member Politburo. This is the first time in 14 years that a Chinese diplomat has served on the party's highest-ranking body, and analysts say the move is aimed at raising the level of decision-making and heft of China's diplomatic initiatives.

Yang was announced as among the 25 members of the new Politburo today, following the first meeting of the party's new Central Committee which was chosen at the just concluded once-in-five-year party congress. The senior diplomat had been surprisingly retained in the new Central Committee on Tuesday amid suggestions he would retire.

The promotion to the Politburo suggests Yang, who is now State Councillor, may become the first Vice Premier in charge of foreign policy when the Chinese Parliament meets in March to choose new ministers under the State Council, or cabinet. The last Vice Premier in charge of foreign policy was Qian Qichen until 2003, who was also the last diplomat to be appointed to the Politburo.

As State Councillor, Yang is also the Special Representative (SR) on the border negotiations with India, a post he is likely to give up following his likely promotion in March. China is set to get a new State Councillor and Special Representative in March, with current Foreign Minister Wang Yi a likely prospect. Wang would then also take over as the next Special Representative, sources said.

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