In general the Deputy Secretary-General has equivalent administrative rank as a vice minister of the state, though occasionally some Deputy Secretaries General will hold the rank of a minister.
Historically, the Deputy Secretary-General has been a powerful position.
Its title holders are often involved in the day-to-day management of government and has direct access to the state council's most important officeholders, including the Premier and Vice-Premiers.
Many Deputy Secretaries-General are later promoted to higher positions such as leading a ministry or a province.
Ma Kai and Wang Yang eventually ascended to become Vice-Premier.