XI JINPING GETS HIS PROMOTION

XI

GETS

HIS PROMOTION

XI JINPING INTRODUCED

AS HU JINTAO'S SUCCESSOR

17TH CONGRESS OF THE

CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY

BEIJING 2007

Today Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping was named vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, solidifying his slotting to become the next General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and President of the People's Republic of China.

This is succession planning with Chinese characteristics: Xi Jinping was unveiled as potential top leader-to-be of China in 2007; the changes are not due to take place until late 2012 (on the party side) and early 2013 (on the government side).

If he had not been given this new post, it would have been seen as a sign of weakness, and of uncertainty at the top with signs of ferment in the air.