Posted on 01/11/2007 2:28:09 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
Hu is urged to cede his position to the vice president
Zeng is proposed for state president
Reuters Published: January 10, 2007
BEIJING: The Chinese leader Hu Jintao has been urged to cede the presidency to a rival-turned-ally, sources said, a step that would sweep aside two decades of established practice and let him focus on extending Communist Party power.
Political allies of Vice President Zeng Qinghong have urged that he be promoted to state president at Parliament's annual session in 2008, the sources with close ties to the top leadership said, requesting anonymity to avoid repercussions for speaking to foreign media.
It was not certain whether the proposal would be adopted, but the debate is a sign that jockeying among leaders has begun in earnest before the 17th Communist Party Congress, due sometime between September and November of this year.
"There are voices in the party that it is no longer necessary for one person to hold all three positions," one source said, referring to the presidency and the top party and military jobs — all currently held by Hu.
A second source said Zeng's supporters were arguing for a return to the modus vivendi of the late 1950s and early 1960s, when power was shared by four national leaders.
(Excerpt) Read more at iht.com ...
Ping!
This is not good news. I would rather have a socialist China then a communist one. If history repeats itself, the Bejiing Olympic games will be held, we'll have a totaltarian commy government and they will go on the military offensive, much like WWII.
Always a good excuse to post this classic:
(We take you now to the Oval Office.)
George: Condi! Nice to see you. What's happening?
Condi: Sir, I have the report here about the new leader of China.
George: Great. Lay it on me.
Condi: Hu is the new leader of China.
George: That's what I want to know.
Condi: That's what I'm telling you.
George: That's what I'm asking you. Who is the new leader of China?
Condi: Yes.
George: I mean the fellow's name.
Condi: Hu.
George: The guy in China.
Condi: Hu.
George: The new leader of China.
Condi: Hu.
George: The Chinaman!
Condi: Hu is leading China.
George: Now whaddya' asking me for?
Condi: I'm telling you Hu is leading China.
George: Well, I'm asking you. Who is leading China?
Condi: That's the man's name.
George: That's who's name?
Condi: Yes.
George: Will you or will you not tell me the name of the new leader of China?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir? Yassir Arafat is in China? I thought he was in the Middle East.
Condi: That's correct.
George: Then who is in China?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir is in China?
Condi: No, sir.
George: Then who is?
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Yassir?
Condi: No, sir.
George: Look, Condi. I need to know the name of the new leader of China. Get me the Secretary General of the U.N. on the phone.
Condi: Kofi?
George: No, thanks.
Condi: You want Kofi?
George: No.
Condi: You don't want Kofi.
George: No. But now that you mention it, I could use a glass of milk. And then get me the U.N.
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: Not Yassir! The guy at the U.N.
Condi: Kofi?
George: Milk! Will you please make the call?
Condi: And call who?
George: Who is the guy at the U.N?
Condi: Hu is the guy in China.
George: Will you stay out of China?!
Condi: Yes, sir.
George: And stay out of the Middle East! Just get me the guy at the U.N.
Condi: Kofi.
George: All right! With cream and two sugars. Now get on the phone.
(Condi picks up the phone.)
Condi: Rice, here.
George: Rice? Good idea. And a couple of egg rolls, too. Maybe we should send some to the guy in China. And the Middle East. Can you get Chinese food in the Middle East?
VERY VERY FASCINATING.
Hillarious! thanks.
Yeah, but will they bring back my favorite ale:
Gang of Four, Extra Pale?
No, this is VERY GOOD news. Zeng Qinghong is part of the practical laissez-faire "Shanghai Faction," to which former president Jiang Zemin belonged to. Hu Jintao is the Communist and he is being told to step down the presidency.
This is the first step to marginalizing the Communist Party from the Chinese state.
Gang of Four was 1970s and has nothing to do with that.
Is it possible that some in China are disturbed by decisions being made lately and think they better get a grip? Decisions like playing games with a US Carrier Battle group maybe? Other decisions, including military buildup and the fact they cannot do that in as secret a way today as they once could?
Wondered about that.
Sounds great.
Tahnks.
That's exactly what is going on. Hu Jintao has been having Superpower Delusions since he came to power, and there is a faction (Shanghai Faction) in the Chinese government that is absolutely against this. Hu Jintao was responsible for much of the rift with Japan, and it's completely backfiring, so attempts recently have been made to reconcile with Japan under the pressure of the Shanghai Faction. Shanghai is the economic center of China and the center of right-wing politics in China today, growth in Shanghai since 1992 is what made China where it is today. Hence contemporary political leaders from Shanghai are naturally more right-leaning and pro-reform.
Zeng Qinghong becoming president would keep Hu Jintao in check. Like a King over the Prime Minister.
Thanks for the info, I am not all that familiar with the workings of China on this level. But hey, Freepers have alot to teach thru sharing so that will change shortly huh?
Thanks for the analysis and welcome aboard.
Between Hu and Zeng, I am not sure who is more belligerent toward U.S..
What I am curious about is why this information is leaked to the Western press. It is not something Western journalists picked up from Chinese press. Are there people who want to promote Zeng to international press? I suppose that Zeng is more accommodating to Western business interests.
On the other hand, as far as rural poverty and widespread riots are concerned, Zeng does not seem to make definite commitments.
Shanghai faction is reportedly losing its hold on power. Two of its main members are on their way out. One is seriously ill, and the other is caught in a corruption scandal.
There is even a rumor that Hu wants to flush out a majority of Politburo members. It is definitely the time for Shanghai faction to make a stand.
I wonder whether Zeng would steer China away from more 'assertive' foreign policy of Hu Jintao lately, especially regarding N. Korea, if he is allowed to have more power.
While I could see where each side is on domestic policy, I am not so sure of their position on international policy, except that Zeng could be a favorable figure for international business.
In china,the position of "national president" is nothing but an honour!
The real key position with the supreme power is "the Chielf Secretary of Chinese Communist Party".
Hu is goint to be the "the Chielf Secretary of Chinese Communist Party" although he may give up the postion of "national president"
That may be true. However, giving away a title Hu already has, however symbolic it is, may be construed as a sign of weakness.
Erosion of power sometimes starts with such a seemingly 'insubstantial' move.
"No, this is VERY GOOD news. Zeng Qinghong is part of the practical laissez-faire "Shanghai Faction," to which former president Jiang Zemin belonged to. Hu Jintao is the Communist and he is being told to step down the presidency.
This is the first step to marginalizing the Communist Party from the Chinese state."
Thank you for clarification.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.