New Chief Economist of the World Bank

I read the news that Justin Yifu Lin, who is a Chinese economist, began as the new Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank in June. I believe that the rapid economic development in mainland China for the last 30 years might be one of the reasons the World Bank appointed a Chinese economist.

I didn't know much about him. I searched his name online. It turns out that he has so much interesting experience. He was born in Taiwan and joined the army of Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1971. In 1979, he swam across the water to the People's Republic of China (mainland China). He went to study at the University of Chicago in early 80s and went back to mainland China after he got his PhD in economics. Another interesting thing is that he may face arrest on charges of defecting from Taiwan's army 30 years ago if he visits his hometown in Taiwan.