It’s the mysterious department behind China’s growing influence across the globe. And it’s getting bigger
‘Magic wand’ used to extend China’s reach abroad gets enhanced role at time of growing international concern over state’s covert influence
The controversial Chinese Communist Party department responsible for promoting its influence around the world will have its authority greatly strengthened, according to a document seen by the South China Morning Post.
The document was later published by the official Xinhua news agency on Wednesday afternoon.
The United Front Work Department, which has fallen under the scrutiny of Western governments in recent months, will now oversee the country’s ethnic and religious issues as well as overseas Chinese affairs.
This is part of a sweeping party restructuring that will see a further fusion between the party and the state.
It aims at increasing efficiency and strengthening the party’s control on all aspects of life in China.
The document also proposed upgrades to four party leading groups – responsible for reform, cybersecurity, finance and the economy, and foreign affairs.
