Shenzhen’s new party boss has taken the wheel but can he deliver ahead of Apec?

AdvertisementShenzhenChinaPoliticsShenzhen’s new party boss has taken the wheel but can he deliver ahead of Apec?Jin Lei is focused on preparations for the regional summit, including tackling the long-standing problem of e-scooters 3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenPhoebe Zhangin ShenzhenPublished: 10:00am, 14 Apr 2026As the new Communist Party chief of China’s southern manufacturing hub Shenzhen, Jin Lei is facing his first major test as the city prepares to host the Apec leaders’ summit in November.Beijing is seeking more cooperation with the bloc in areas like artificial intelligence, and the key regional forum is an opportunity to show the potential in tech-driven Shenzhen, where Jin took the helm last month.In recent weeks, the 56-year-old economist and former Sichuan official has been focused on preparations for the gathering, including tackling a long-standing problem in the city – the millions of electric scooters, many used for deliveries, that cause mayhem on the streets. AdvertisementJin took over from Meng Fanli, who is now governor of Guangdong province.Jin Lei was appointed party secretary of Shenzhen in March. Photo: HandoutJin’s appointment was announced on March 22 – nearly six months after Meng was promoted and just after China’s annual legislative session and the next five-year plan for socioeconomic development to 2030 was unveiled.AdvertisementAdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x