NYT on Beijing's Power Struggle

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Edward Wong and Jonathan Ansfield, With a Transition Near, New Questions in China. New York Times, Oct 2, 2012.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/0 ... d-over-changes.html

Quote:

“In recent negotiations, Mr Jiang and his allies, who include Xi Jinping, the designated heir to Mr Hu, appear to have had the upper hand, several political insiders said.

“a party intellectual with ties to the leadership [said,] ‘Some say he’s the worst leader China has had since 1949.’

“But after numerous twists, several other top candidates do not appear yet to have secured a seat. They include Yu Zhengsheng, party chief of Shanghai; Wang Yang, party chief of Guangdong Province; Zhang Gaoli, party chief of Tianjin; and Liu Yunshan, director of the Propaganda Department. If the standing committee remains at nine, Liu Yandong, China’s most senior female official, would have a greater chance at a seat, analysts say. Both Mr Hu and Mr Xi had been among those pressing for the standing committee to be reduced in size, to strengthen central decision-making, according to several people.

“One person with a party media organization and a well-connected business figure said that in general, Mr Hu had been weakened and Mr Xi was setting the stage to take charge.