China reshuffle ahead of key congress

China has announced two high-level personnel changes in the lead up to next month's Communist Party congress.

The head of the party's organisation department, Zeng Qinghong, who is a close associate of President Jiang Zemin, has stepped down, along with the party's head of publicity, Ding Guangen.

Observers say Mr Zeng may be promoted to the Politburo Standing Committee, the country's top policy-making body.

His former job is being taken by He Guoqiang, who was the party chief in the city of Chongqing.

Mr Ding, who is older, is expected to retire, as are President Jiang himself and several other leading figures.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service