Zhou Hongsu, China’s Central Guard Bureau, was identified for the first time through the White House guest list for a state dinner during Xi Jinping’s visit. According to CNN, his public appearances offer a rare look at the secretive security apparatus as the Chinese Communist Party approaches its next national congress.
Identification via White House Guest List
A man with glasses and neatly cropped hair, previously spotted alongside the Chinese leader, was confirmed as Zhou Hongsu, a member of the agency akin to the U.S. Secret Service. Footage broadcast by China Central Television showed Zhou standing directly behind U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Washington state banquet. Beijing has never publicly confirmed his title, and his official biography lacks detail.
This identification follows Zhou’s appearance in New Delhi earlier this month during Xi’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Official footage placed Zhou between two Chinese vice foreign ministers, though state media did not name him. Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of Study Times, told CNN that Zhou’s frequent public visibility suggests Xi is deliberately bringing him to the forefront ahead of upcoming leadership changes.
Inside China’s Secretive Central Guard Bureau
The Central Guard Bureau protects top Chinese leaders and Zhongnanhai, the leadership compound in Beijing. Chinese state media describe the unit as operating across both police and military spheres, requiring absolute trust from top leadership. Established in 1950 with roots in the civil war, its first head was Mao Zedong’s personal guard, Wang Dongxing, who later rose to party vice chairman.
A 2014 article by state media outlet China Net noted the bureau operates under the Ministry of Public Security as “Bureau 9,” while acting independently and reporting directly to Xi’s office. Zhou succeeds Wang Shaojun, whose death from an unspecified illness in April 2023 was confirmed by state media three months later. No successor has been officially announced.
https://x.com/WHPressPool/status/2103263963949482151
Military Background and Political Rise
Like his predecessor Wang, Zhou likely served in the People’s Liberation Army. Photographs from 2018 show Zhou wearing a military uniform alongside Wang during an inspection tour by Xi to the PLA Northern Theater Command. Xinhua reported that Zhou was chosen as a delegate to the 20th Communist Party National Congress in 2022, an event that secured Xi’s third term.
Despite these high-level duties, little is known about Zhou’s education or early career in military and security services. Analysts note his expanding public profile marks a departure from the traditional anonymity surrounding directors of the Central Guard Bureau.
Origins and leadership history of China's Central Guard Bureau
What is China’s Central Guard Bureau?
It is a secretive security unit tasked with protecting China’s top leaders and the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing, functioning similarly to the U.S. Secret Service.
Who preceded Zhou Hongsu as director?
Wang Shaojun led the bureau until his death in April 2023. State media confirmed his role only after he passed away.