Movers and shakers at the Communist Congress

Chen Min’er, 56

Chen Min’er replaced the embattled Sun Zhengcai as party chief of the south-western megacity of Chongqing in July this year when Sun was investigated for corruption, and he is now a candidate for a position on the top tier Politburo Standing Committee (PSC). He worked under Xi Jinping, the current Chinese President when he was party boss of Zhejiang province between 2002 and 2007 and is believed to be trusted by the allpowerful leader.

Hu Chunhua, 54

Along with Chen, Hu Chunhua is another ‘‘sixth generation’’ leader who was born in the Sixties who is being seen as a potential PSC member and a possible successor to Xi Jinping. Hu was governor of Hebei province before working his way up to leadership of Guangdong province.

Li Zhanshu, 67

Few potential successors have emerged to take Xi’s job, or that of Li Keqiang, China’s prime minister, a situation that many believe was created by the president, who is keen to strengthen his power. But his trusted aide Li Zhanshu - who accompanies the president on his domestic and foreign trips - might be rewarded with a position on the Wang Qishan, 69

One of seven current PSC members, Wang is expected to retire at the congress under China’s unwritten rule for top officials over 68. However, if Xi hangs on to his trusted ally, that could suggest the president is keeping him by his side to help him break with precedent and rule beyond two five-year terms in 2022.

Jiang Zemin, 91

Jiang Zemin, who ruled China for 10 years from 1993, has already made a dramatic impact on the Party Congress with an appearance on the opening day. Rumoured to have died months ago, Jiang roused social media users yesterday by appearing at the congress. The 91-year-old sat next to Xi Jinping and stood for the national anthem. Internet users gushed over the ‘‘Frog’’ - a nickname inspired by his wide grin and prominent, spectacled eyes - marvelling over the hale appearance of the nonagenarian.

‘‘How many organs must he have had replaced... to be there?’’ asked one posting.

Xi is believed to want Jiang to stop meddling in politics, but the old-stager has a penchant for upstaging others. - Telegraph Group