Beijing has appointed a new Communist Party chief for Xinjiang, a move that has been tied to last year’s ethnic riots in the northwestern region which cost almost 200 lives, the Financial Times reported. Wang Lequan, 65, who was party secretary of Xinjiang for 15 years, has been replaced by Zhang Chunxian, the 57-year-old party head of Hunan province. Announcing the switch, the Politbureau also alluded to a change in its approach to Xinjiang. Wang’s formula of "stability above all else" will be replaced by a policy of "fast economic and social development … so that the people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang will live a more prosperous and happy life," state media said. Wang became unpopular across all ethnic groups in the region because his focus on security put a stranglehold on the economy. Zhang, who holds degrees in engineering and management, and has served in state companies and as minister of transport, is known for his amiable style.
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