President Xi Jinping has removed the high - profile , reformist finance minister , Lou Jiwei , as he looks to put loyalists in key positions . Jinping still faces areas of political resistance and wants to consolidate his power further , however there are concerns he is increasingly focusing on hitting growth targets and suppressing dissent , rather than tackling more urgent issues , such as improving the economy . Mr.... “ Lou Jiwei ’s abrupt ouster sends a strong message that any prospects of even limited economic reforms are falling victim to President Xi ’s focus on consolidating his power , ” said Professor Eswar Prasad at Cornell University . This latest move follows the rare intervention in Hong Kong politics and a strategy to boost his power , despite the need to cut China 's air pollution .
President Xi Jinping has removed the high - profile , reformist finance minister , Lou Jiwei , as he looks to put loyalists in key positions . Jinping still faces areas of political resistance and wants to consolidate his power further , however there are concerns he is increasingly focusing on hitting growth targets and suppressing dissent , rather than tackling more urgent issues , such as improving the economy . “ Lou Jiwei ’s abrupt ouster sends a strong message that any prospects of even limited economic reforms are falling victim to President Xi ’s focus on consolidating his power , ” said Professor Eswar Prasad at Cornell University . This latest move follows the rare intervention in Hong Kong politics and a strategy to boost his power , despite the need to cut China 's air pollution .