Aeronautics engineer Huang Qiang takes over Jilin

Jilin province has a new Party boss.

On Friday, Huang Qiang, 61, replaced Jing Junhai as Jilin Party secretary.

Huang is a textbook technocrat.

• He has studied and worked in the aerospace sector for 26 years, and is known for leading the development of China’s "Flying Leopard" twin-engine fighter-bomber.

From 2006 to 2014, Huang held senior positions at the State Administration for Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND).

• SASTIND oversees the formulation and implementation of sci-tech policy related to national defense.

In 2014, Huang was appointed vice governor of Gansu, his first job in local government.

• Most recently, Huang was the governor of Sichuan.

Fun fact: Huang should be familiar with other senior officials hailing from the aerospace sector, including:

• Ma Xingrui, Politburo member and Xinjiang Party secretary
• Yuan Jiajun, Politburo member and Chongqing Party secretary

Get smart: There are more technocrats on the current Politburo (2022-2027) than in at least the last 15 years, as Xi Jinping recognizes the need for technically competent leaders to tackle China’s huge challenges.

• If he does well in Jilin, Huang might add to the tally and nab a seat on the 2027 Politburo.