Will Chongqing party chief and Xi ally Chen Min'er be promoted at major Communist Party meeting?

Speculation is rife that one of the country's rising stars, Chongqing party secretary Chen Min'er, could be propelled into the apex Standing Committee, the nation's top decision-making body. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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BEIJING - The elite of China's ruling Communist Party will convene next week a long-awaited conclave that has been shrouded in secrecy, with pundits speculating about a possible political promotion within the ranks that may further cement President Xi Jinping's grip on power.

Mr Xi, who doubles as party and military chief, will kick off the long-delayed plenum next Monday (Oct 28) at the People's Liberation Army-run Jingxi Hotel, which is off limits to ordinary people, The Straits Times has learnt.

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