China cyber czar's move gives policy cues

Subject

Profile of Lu Wei.

Significance

Lu Wei, the chief architect of the Xi Jinping government's internet policy, has stepped down from his post as head of the Cyberspace Administration of China. However, he retains a concurrent postion as vice-director of the Communist Party's central propaganda department and may have a further role to play at the top of Chinese politics.

Impacts

• The cyberspace administration's focus will turn from expansion to consolidation.
• Although Lu's next role is not yet announced, promotion is more likely than demotion.
• Lu may join the Politburo Standing Committee in 2022.
• Lu's trajectory will test whether established conventions of Chinese politics still hold under President Xi Jinping.