Top role in Nanjing University awaits Liaison Office figure

Tan Tieniu, a deputy director of Beijing's Liaison Office in Hong Kong, will return to the mainland to head Nanjing University, sources say.

It would be the first personnel change for mainland authorities in Hong Kong before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to be held in Beijing next month. It is understood that there will be more changes.

Sing Tao Daily, sister publication of The Standard, reported that Tan could become the president or secretary of the party committee of Nanjing University.

Tan, 58, has been on leave for more than a week to prepare for his return to the mainland, sources said.

He has worked here since 2016 and is in charge of education, technology and liaising with leaders of the pro-establishment camp.

Tan is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, focusing on developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology center. He also contributed to the establishment of the Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians.

He accompanied President Xi Jinping when on his visit to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks on July 1.

Mainland authorities are making leadership adjustments at universities by deploying politicians with academic backgrounds.

Tan's appointment came after the deputy director of the Central Policy Research Office, Lin Shangli, was appointed president of the Renmin University of China.