In an unprecedented swap of posts in the Politburo, Shi Taifeng has become the influential head of the Organization Department, which controls all important personnel decisions of the Communist Party. The previous head Li Ganjie has taken over his post as head of the United Front (UFWD). This department is responsible for influencing non-communist groups, religious communities, ethnic minorities, the annexation of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to the People’s Republic and the Chinese abroad.