China clears the decks for new era

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Like US presidents with their log cabin stories, China's incoming head of state, Xi Jinping has a tale of humble beginnings.

BEIJING: Several hundred of the Chinese Communist Party's top leaders have decided on a range of measures that pave the way for a once-in-a-decade leadership transition due to start this week.

Among its decisions, the party's Central Committee endorsed the expulsion of the disgraced politician Bo Xilai from the party and promoted two military leaders.

The decision to expel Mr Bo signalled that the leaders had reached a consensus on this delicate issue. Mr Bo had been a contender for one of the highest positions until his spectacular fall this year and still had support among some party members.

Young Pioneers, many of whom are destined to be future members of the Chinese Communist Party, salute during a school flag-raising ceremony in Shanghai. Photo: Reuters

The committee also agreed on Sunday to expel the former railway minister, Liu Zhijun, from the party. Mr Liu has been accused of receiving bribes in excess of $US100 million ($96.4 million) during the years he oversaw the expansion of the nation's high-speed rail system.

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The party's Central Committee, a group of 365 top leaders, met for four days before the start of the 18th Party Congress on Thursday, when current leaders, the President, Hu Jintao and the Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, are to retire and be replaced by Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang.

The Central Committee also voted to make two generals - Fan Changlong and Xu Qiliang - vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission, which oversees the military. Mr Fan and Mr Xu will serve under Mr Hu, who also leads the military commission.

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China clears the decks for new era