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| Monday, 20 September 2004 |
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Chinese military leadership change expected BEIJING, Sunday (AFP) A high-level meeting of the ruling Communist Party (CCP) is due to close later Sunday amid widespread speculation that military strongman Jiang Zemin will complete a long awaited leadership transition by handing the army over to President Hu Jintao. The 198-member Communist Party Central Committee is expected to approve the resignation of Jiang by the close of the secretive four-day meeting, Communist Party and diplomatic sources said. The sources said there was much pressure within the central committee for the 78-year-old military chief to retire, following in the footsteps of late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, who resigned as chairman of the Central Military Commission in 1989 in favour of Jiang. According to Communist Party tradition a communique is expected to be issued later Sunday announcing any personnel changes. In Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post newspaper Saturday suggested Jiang could still wield influence even if he does resign his final post. It cited the example of Deng, who gave up all his official posts in 1989 but continued to hold power with no title for years. "Mr. Jiang's retirement is unlikely to produce any major changes in domestic or foreign policies," it said. "But as Mr. Hu continues to consolidate his power and make his mark, subtle changes can be expected." |
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