Profile: China ushers in new cabinet leadership (5)

Liu Yandong is the only female among the four vice premiers, as well as the fourth female vice premier in the history of the People's Republic of China after former vice premier Wu Yi. Liu is also the first woman to enter the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee twice, as well as the first female head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee and the first chairwoman of the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF).

When in charge of the ACYF, Liu initiated Project Hope, which has helped to build elementary schools in less-developed areas and rural areas across the country. She also participated in the drafting of the first law designed to protect minors.

Liu associated with a lot of friends in different sectors when she led the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee. Some older non-Communist members can remember her name, even when they are too old to recognize their own family members. Liu went to Tibet nine times, visiting the Sakya Monastery at an altitude of 4,310 meters and exchanging ideas with monks.