Zhang Xinfeng

Zhang was born in Tieling, Liaoning in August 1952.

In September 1968, Zhang was sent to Bei'an to worked in May Seventh Cadre Schools after the Cultural Revolution was launched by Mao Zedong. In March 1976, at the close of Cultural Revolution, Zhang joined the Communist Party of China. He graduated from the Central Party School.

Zhang got involved in politics in 1980. In 1990 he was promoted to become the Deputy Director of Heilongjiang Public Security Department, a position he held until 2003. In April 2003, Zhang was promoted to become the Assistant to the Minister of Public Security. In March 2005, Zhang was elevated to the Deputy Minister of Public Security. In January 2013, Zhang was elevated to head of the Anti-Terrorism Executive Commission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.[1][2][3]

In January 2016, he was named Special Officer in charge of anti-terrorism (vice-minister level). His appointment was notable due to his having long passed the age of 60, the retirement age for vice-minister level officials. This 'rule-breaking' appointment was seen as an indication that anti-terrorism work was of extremely high importance to the Chinese government.[4]