Early Life and Education

Han Zheng was born in April 1954 in Shanghai. His ancestral roots trace back to Cixi, Zhejiang Province. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), Mao Zedong’s “sent-down youth” policy relocated him to a collective farm in Chongming County. He later pursued part-time studies. He earned a degree in politics from East China Normal University, followed by a master’s in International Political Economy from the same institution.

Rise in Shanghai Politics

Han began his political career in Shanghai’s municipal government. He served as vice mayor, then party deputy secretary, and later became Mayor of Shanghai from 2003 to 2012. After a major political scandal, he briefly served as Acting Party Secretary in 2006. In November 2012, he officially assumed the role and held it until 2017.

National Leadership Roles

In October 2017, Han joined the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s highest decision-making body. In March 2018, he became First-Ranking Vice Premier. In this role, he oversaw major initiatives, including policies on Hong Kong and Macao, the Belt and Road infrastructure project, and regional development.

Vice Presidency (2023–Present)

At the 2023 National People’s Congress, officials unanimously elected Han as Vice President of China, succeeding Wang Qishan. As Vice President, he often represents Xi Jinping at international events and ceremonies. For example, he attended King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, despite controversy over his role in Hong Kong affairs. In 2025, he represented China at the U.S. presidential inauguration. His visit signaled Beijing’s intent to stabilize international relations while maintaining internal political optics.

Diplomatic Engagements and Persona

Han is known as a trusted adviser to Xi Jinping. He handles sensitive diplomatic missions with tact and care. He often leads Chinese delegations at global forums like the UN General Assembly, in place of President Xi. His approach—often called “silent diplomacy”—projects China’s interests with calmness and authority.

Legacy and Significance

Han’s rise—from a farm worker during the Cultural Revolution to one of China’s top leaders—shows his resilience and adaptability. His close ties to Shanghai’s political circles, known as the “Shanghai clique,” played a key role in his rise. His strong alignment with Xi Jinping has further boosted his national influence. As Vice President, he continues to shape China’s global diplomatic strategy and promote stable leadership.

Why It Matters

Han Zheng represents how leaders from local governance, especially from major cities like Shanghai, can rise to national power. At each stage—from mayor to Vice President—he has influenced China’s policies on Hong Kong, global infrastructure, and foreign diplomacy.