Minister of State Security (China)

The Minister of State Security (中华人民共和国国家安全部部长) is the head of the Ministry of State Security (MSS), the principal intelligence, security and secret police agency of the People's Republic of China, responsible for counter-intelligence, foreign intelligence, and political security.

The Minister is appointed by the Premier of the State Council and approved by the National People's Congress (NPC) or its Standing Committee. The Minister is responsible for overseeing the operations of the MSS, implementing national security policies, and advising the State Council on matters related to intelligence and security. The post is a crucial position within the Chinese government, reflecting the significance placed on internal stability and national security.

Due to the secretive nature of the MSS and its operations, detailed information about the Minister and their specific responsibilities is generally not publicly available. The Minister is typically a high-ranking member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and often has a background in security, intelligence, or law enforcement. The Minister answers directly to the Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC through various coordinating groups and commissions.

Past Ministers of State Security have included individuals who went on to hold even more senior positions within the Party and government, highlighting the importance and political weight of the role. The current Minister's appointment and activities are closely monitored by observers both within and outside of China.