Soyuz capsule crew lands in Kazakhstan Hu tries to retain control over military, says report
London, July 1: Ahead of major leadership changes in China’s ruling Communist Party, an “epic battle” for control of the three million-strong military has broken out with President Hu Jintao attempting to stay in charge of the powerful PLA, a media report claimed on Sunday.
“An epic battle for control of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has broken out as the power struggle in China enters a new phase,” The Sunday Times reported, as Hu visited Hong Kong to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the handover of the territory from British rule. “At its centre (of the epic battle) is President Hu,” the paper quoted its Chinese sources as saying in Hong Kong who have been briefed on Communist party affairs.
Hu, 69, is attempting to stay in charge of the military as chairman of the central military commission after he steps down later this year as President and as head of the Communist party, the report said.
The CPC, which has maintained its hold on political power since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, is expected to undergo major leadership changes with Hu and premier Wen Jiabao retiring this year.
Talk of Hu’s bid to retain charge of the PLA came as party insiders leaked detailed accounts of the internal strife that led to an exchange of fire between troops and the paramilitary on March 19, the paper said. — PTI