Wang Qishan, born on July 19, 1948, in Qingdao, China, is a prominent Chinese politician and the current Vice President of the People's Republic of China. His ancestral hometown is Tianzhen, Shanxi, although he was born in Shandong. After graduating high school, Wang worked as a sent-down youth in the countryside, where he performed manual labor alongside peasants on a commune in Yan'an. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Yao Mingshan, who is the daughter of former first Vice Premier of China, Yao Yilin.
Wang's experiences in Yan'an were formative, as he befriended Xi Jinping, who would later become the President of China. Wang was admitted as a "Worker-Peasant-Soldier student" at Northwest University in Xi'an, where he studied history and graduated in 1976. He also worked for the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, honing his skills in foreign affairs and politics.
Throughout his career, Wang Qishan has been instrumental in shaping China's foreign affairs and anti-corruption efforts. He is known as one of President Xi Jinping's closest political allies and has played a key role in various high-profile events, such as attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and meeting with leaders like Henry Kissinger and Barack Obama.
Wang's interest in politics and governance extends to popular culture, as he is a fan of the TV series "House of Cards," often alluding to it during anti-corruption conferences. He is particularly fascinated by the role of the party Whip, showcasing his deep understanding of power dynamics within the Chinese Communist Party.
Despite his high-profile career, Wang Qishan maintains a relatively private personal life. He and his wife, Yao Mingshan, have chosen not to have children. Their relationship, which began in the revolutionary heartland of Yan'an, remains strong, with Yao's familial ties to Chinese political history adding another layer to Wang's status as a leading figure in Chinese politics.
Wang Qishan's background as a sent-down youth and his subsequent rise to Vice President of China exemplify the complexities and contradictions of modern Chinese politics. His strategic alliances, keen interest in governance, and unique personal history make him a formidable force in shaping the future of China on the global stage.
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