China government assigns officials to companies including Alibaba

The government of the Chinese tech hub of Hangzhou is assigning officials to 100 local companies including tech group Alibaba, in the latest example of a tightening of the ties between the state and private sector.

The move, described as a local initiative, highlights one of the many flashpoints in China’s tense relationship with the US. Washington’s angst at the blurred lines between the state and its tech companies has already prompted Beijing to downplay its “Made in China 2025” industrial policy blueprint, which sets out sectors in which it wants domestic companies to dominate at home.

Companies including Alibaba already have communist cells embedded in their operations and top executives spend much of their time dealing with government officials on policy and other issues.

Other big enterprises corralled into the initiative include automaker Geely. Soft drinks group Wahaha was also part of the group, according to Chinese state media.

Hangzhou, about 175km or an hour’s train ride from Shanghai, said the “innovative” move was part of its “New Manufacturing Industry Plan”. Government representatives would service the important companies and help facilitate co-operation and communication with the government, state media Zhejiang Online reported.

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Alibaba said move would function as “a bridge” between the government and private sector.

“We understand this initiative from the Hangzhou City Government aims to foster a better business environment in support of Hangzhou-based enterprises,” a spokesman said.

“The government representative will function as a bridge to the private sector, and will not interfere with the company’s operations.”

Beijing has a complicated relationship with the private enterprises that it has nurtured with limited foreign competition and red tape, and often regards high-profile entrepreneurs who might present a challenge to its hold on society with suspicion.

As part of a recent crackdown on a group of private companies last year, the chairman of insurance group Anbang, Wu Xiaohui, was sentenced to 18 years in jail for fraud.