From Wall Street Journal:
China is set to appoint a new commerce minister with a background in energy, a person familiar with the matter said, while a couple of positions in the central bank will open up shortly with the retirement of two vice governors, another person said.
Chen Deming, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s economic-planning agency, has been selected to succeed Bo Xilai as commerce minister, an official at the Commerce Ministry said.
The official said Mr. Chen started work at the ministry yesterday but is expected to be officially appointed in December after lawmakers approve the change.
Officials in the news departments at the Commerce Ministry and the National Development and Reform Commission couldn’t be reached for comment. [Full Text]
Read also Hu ally tipped to take over as Beijing mayor by Reuters:
China’s Communist Party boss in Anhui province is tipped to take over as mayor of Beijing by the end of the week, sources and two Hong Kong newspapers reported on Thursday, as the city prepares to host the 2008 Olympics.
The leadership change in China’s capital is part of a broad reshuffle at the top that follows a five-yearly Communist Party meeting that wound up last month and consolidates President Hu Jintao’s grip on power.
Two sources in Beijing confirmed reports carried by Wen Wei Po and Ming Pao. [Full Text]
