Wang Anshi (December 8, 1021 – May 21, 1086) is a Chinese economist, statesman, chancellor and poet of the Song Dynasty who attempts controversial, major socioeconomic reforms.

These reforms constitute the core concepts and motives of the Reformists, while their nemesis, Chancellor Sima Guang, leads the Conservative faction against them.

In economics, his reforms expand the use of money, break up private monopolies and introduce some forms of government regulation and social welfare.

In military affairs, he supports the use of local militias; and in education and government, he expands the examination system and tries to suppress nepotism.

Though successful for a while, he eventually falls out of favor of the emperor.