### The Trusted Adviser in Xi Jinping’s Inner Circle

A behind-the-scenes figure with significant influence, Wang Huning stood out during landmark talks in Beijing between Xi Jinping and former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou. A key official among China's leadership, Wang's confident demeanor contrasted sharply with the formal stiffness displayed by others in Xi's presence.

The dynamic between Xi Jinping, China's most powerful leader in decades, and Wang Huning, the Communist Party's chief ideological adviser, reveals a crucial but little-understood relationship within the Chinese government. According to Chiu Kun-hsuan, a member of the delegation accompanying Ma Ying-jeou, Wang enjoys total confidence from the top leader. Chiu, an emeritus professor at National Chengchi University in Taipei, highlighted the uniqueness of Wang's influence, noting that under Xi Jinping's regime, ideology permeates every aspect of governance.

Wang's prominence is particularly noteworthy because he attained his position without the traditional prerequisite of leadership experience in provinces or cities. His career spans three decades, having successfully navigated political shifts and advised three successive Chinese leaders — an uncommon feat that underlines his adaptability and skill.

The exchange captured in a photograph by Chinese state media in April shows Wang seated beside Xi Jinping during discussions with Ma Ying-jeou, underscoring his central role in critical state affairs. Given the secretive nature of Chinese politics, Wang's visible assurance in high-stakes settings offers a rare insight into the trusted circles influencing Xi's decisions. China observers often find it challenging to discern whose counsel Xi values most. However, Wang Huning's exceptional rise and sustained presence among China's elite suggest a significant degree of reliance on his ideological guidance.