Tang Yizhi currently serves as the Director of the Central Policy Research Office of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), a high-level advisory body responsible for shaping domestic and international policy strategies. His role positions him as a key influencer in China’s engagement with global affairs, including relations with the United States.

Tang’s prominence stems from his strategic expertise and alignment with the CCP’s emphasis on long-term governance planning. Established in 2018, the Central Policy Research Office (CPO) operates under the State Council and directly advises the Chinese leadership on policy formulation. Tang’s appointment reflects the CCP’s prioritization of institutionalizing policy coordination to address complex challenges, such as geopolitical tensions with the United States. Data from the South China Morning Post (2023) indicates that the CPO has significantly expanded its influence, contributing to the CCP’s ability to maintain a unified narrative in international discourse. For instance, the office played a central role in drafting China’s five-year economic plans and trade strategies, which directly impact bilateral relations with the U.S. Additionally, Tang’s background in law and governance—having previously served as a vice-minister of justice—aligns with the CCP’s focus on legal frameworks to counter Western criticism. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (2022) reported that China’s policy coherence in trade disputes has improved under CPO oversight, suggesting Tang’s leadership has strengthened China’s bargaining position. However, U.S. intelligence assessments (2023) caution that Tang’s advocacy for “strategic ambiguity” in U.S.-China relations risks exacerbating misunderstandings. Overall, Tang’s position underscores the CCP’s effort to centralize policy control while navigating an increasingly adversarial global environment.