In a January 2015 The Diplomat article, I nicknamed General Office Director Li Zhanshu (栗战书) “the Éminence Grise of Zhongnanhai” for his low-key yet powerful presence among Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inner circle. Since then, he has gradually moved from behind the curtains to the front stage as Xi’s alter ego at critical junctures. With the approaching 19th Party Congress, China analysts have reached a consensus that Li will move up. The only question is, how high? Read more
