On Monday, the Chinese government announced that Lu Hao, a young politician and a member of the Communist Party for 15 years, will be the new head of the Ministry of Natural Resources as part of the country's overhaul of its government system to introduce a more efficient policymaking.
Prior to his selection as the new head of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Lu was the youngest governor of the province of Heilongjiang in 2013 and became a key actor in improving the economic and social status of the region after the 2016 steel and coal industry collapse. He also had to endure the widespread protests of workers from the industry who were not paid appropriately by their employers.
He also headed the Communist Youth League in 2008 and was noted as a rising star amongst his peers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources will be taking over the tasks of the Ministry of Land & Resources, State Oceanic Administration and the national surveying and mapping bureau.
Meanwhile, the Ministry for Environmental Protection's head Li Ganjie will be moving to the new Ministry for Ecological Environment. The MEE will be taking over the MEP's duties and also watch over river, marine and soil pollution, as well as the climate change-related tasks held by other departments.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will be lead by Han Changfu.
