Xi Jinping confidant Chen Miner appointed party boss of key Chinese city
Rising political star now seen as a strong contender to join the Communist Party’s higher ranks during autumn reshuffle
China has appointed Chen Miner, a rising political star, as the Communist Party boss in southwestern Chongqing, cementing his credentials as a contender to join the upper echelon of the party at its five-yearly congress this autumn.
The possible elevation of Chen, a trusted confidant of President Xi Jinping, will be a sign of Xi flexing his political muscle during the leadership reshuffle.
Chen will take over the Chongqing role from Sun Zhengcai, Xinhua reported.
Xinhua’s report did not mention what Sun’s next move would be.
Chongqing, as one of China’s four key cities, is usually run by a Communist Party secretary from the 25-member Politburo.
