Jiang quits post as top PLA leader

[dArKeR]

AFP , WASHINGTON
Wednesday, Sep 08, 2004,Page 5

Former Chinese president Jiang Zemin (???), who remains China's top military leader, has told Communist Party officials that he plans to resign, prompting an intense and so far inconclusive struggle for control of the armed forces, the New York Times reported on its Web site on Monday.

Citing two unnamed sources with leadership connections, the newspaper said Jiang's offer to relinquish authority as chairman of the Central Military Commission potentially gives Chinese President Hu Jintao (???) a chance to become the country's undisputed top leader, commanding the state, the army and the ruling party.

But sources here who were informed about a bargaining session under way at a government compound in western Beijing said it remained unclear whether Jiang genuinely intended to step aside, or if he would do so on terms acceptable to Hu, the report said.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/09/08/2003202082

[Aidoneus]

1. does this have anything to do

...with the non-presence in that HK pic?

[dArKeR]

2. Hey, I forgot about that! Thanks!!! And it sure had to be!

China airbrushed Jiang out of picture
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=116&topic_id=7229

[Aidoneus]

3. I figure something is shifting

I don't know enough about China to have any better idea of what.

[foo_bar]

4. I guess he just "offered to relinquish authority"

You know, he needs to spend more time with his family.