These days China Mainland announced two important appointments consecutively: Professor Ma Xinrui (馬興瑞）of aerodynamics was nominated as party secretary of Xinjiang, while Professor Liu Duo（劉多，女）of telecom and information as the vice mayor of Shanghai.  Both have received profound knowledge in engineering as well as accumulated themselves broad experiences in substantial work.

Apparently, China Mainland intends to have recourse to the technology background of Ma to help exploit the natural resources in Xinjiang.  Of Liu, I think the government is hoping her to build an even better Shanghai, especially in advanced tech.

Since Reform and Open, the leaders of China have been all selected from the persons of science or engineering.  No need of leaders out of the humanities or other fields?  Well, just follow the spirit and the thoughts of Chairman Mao and that will suffice.  

PS Ma is an alumnus of Harbin Institute of Technology, the same as Mr. Sun Yunxuan.  Remember Mr. Sun?