Poliburo member Sun Chunlan was prominent in China’s response to the corobavirus outbreak. The new Politburo line-up is all male, prompting observations that future political diversity will be lacking.For the first time in 20 years, no women have been selected for the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, an omission experts say is "a step backwards" for gender diversity, and one that may further dampen female participation in Chinese politics.
While women have always been dramatically under-represented in Chinese politics, the latest arrangement has put an end to an informal practice in place since the 16th party congress in 2002 when at least one woman would be selected to serve in the Politburo and as vice-premier. "It is disappointing because whatever small space that was carved out for women to exercise their political power is now gone at the top level," Chen said.
Only six women have ever been selected as members of the Politburo and three of those were the wives of revolutionary leaders.Women were long absent in Chinese elite politics until Wu Yi was selected for the Politburo in 2002 as a full member before becoming a vice-premier the following year. Guizhou party secretary Shen Yiqin, aged 62 and an ethnic Bai, is one of the highest-ranking female cadres and was widely seen as the front runner to replace Sun.
While Shen Yiqin might be criticised for lacking experience outside Guizhou, she is not short of friends in high places. She has worked with several senior officials in the province, including top legislator Li Zhanshu, Politburo member and Chongqing party chief Chen Miner and State Councillor Zhao Kezhi.
Actually no difference. It's all the same old Chinese politics.
I knew such comments will come from west media. LoL