Previous top two pairs

Hu Jintao - Wen Jiabao (2002-2012) Widely regarded as the most harmonious top two pairing in recent Chinese history.

Both came from modest family backgrounds, worked in north-western Gansu province at the same time in the 1970s and shared a mentor in former leader Hu Yaobang. Jiang Zemin - Zhu Rongji (1997-2002) Zhu served as mayor of Shanghai in the late 1980s when Jiang was the city’s party chief. Although they were considered rivals in Shanghai, they came together later in Beijing and this was known as the “Jiang-Zhu axis”. President Jiang knew he needed the hardnosed Zhu to take care of the economy as the premier.

Zhu required the political protection of Jiang since he had offended many, particularly the military, with his uncompromising ways. Jiang Zemin - Li Peng (1989-1997) Premier Li had little respect for Jiang when the latter was parachuted into Zhongnanhai from Shanghai to lead the party after the Tiananmen crisis.

Li was more senior, had more connections in Beijing and saw himself as the more qualified leader to lead the party than Jiang. Zhao Ziyang - Li Peng (1987-1989) The most catastrophic pairing in communist China’s history, with Premier Li openly undermining General Secretary Zhao during the Tiananmen incident, leading to the party leader’s downfall.

Zhao, who was a former premier, maintained a close interest in the economy and did not rate Li highly. Hu Yaobang - Zhao Ziyang (1982-1987) Again, like Zhao, Hu was a former premier before he was promoted to lead the party as its general secretary.

His past portfolio led to his interest in economics and he intervened, to Zhao’s chagrin. Deng Xiaoping, the real leader in charge, had to reconcile their differences.