China on Saturday named rising political star Chen Miner as Communist Party boss in southwestern Chongqing, cementing his reputation as a favourite of President Xi Jinping ahead of a leadership reshuffle at a key party congress in the autumn. The elevation of Chen, a trusted confidant of Xi, is a sign the president is flexing his political muscles as he manoeuvres to line up a new Politburo Standing Committee, the apex of political power in China. Foreign diplomats who have met Chen say he talks openly about his closeness to Xi. The switch from Guizhou to the more high-profile Chongqing role signals that Chen is virtually assured of a Politburo spot. Xinhua said Guizhou governor Sun Zhigang, who is not related to Sun Zhengcai, had taken over as the province’s party chief.

Source: Dhaka Tribune July 15, 2017 11:48 UTC