China's party debates new leaders

The third generation of leaders is stepping down

China's Communist Party Congress has withdrawn behind closed doors to begin the process of approving a new generation of leaders.

The Congress has begun debating the line-up of the Party's 350-strong central committee, which is charged with selecting the new leadership.

Party chief Jiang Zemin and several others of the men who have run China for more than a decade are expected to retire after the Congress.

	Communist Party rules 66m members Holds Congress every five years 2,000 delegates meet for a week Then new leadership "elected" See also: How China is ruled

The new line-up, which has been the subject of intense debate and jockeying for months, will become clear on Friday when the new Politburo standing committee of seven or more men will be unveiled.

Almost all the leadership changes have been thrashed out in advance, but the Congress is still being closely watched to see how much influence Mr Jiang retains.

Every expectation is that the new Party chief will be the current vice-president, Hu Jintao, 59.

If Mr Hu does take over the party leadership, he is also likely to take over from Mr Jiang as China's President next spring.

Power behind curtain

Very little is known about Mr Hu. But our correspondent in Beijing, Francis Markus, says Chinese politics today is no longer about charisma; it is about continuity.

Although Mr Jiang is expected to step down, some analysts say he could continue to wield considerable influence behind the scenes.

A key ally, Zeng Qinghong, is expected to occupy a senior place in the leadership, and Mr Jiang may even retain his third post as head of the military.

However, the final line-up remains top secret. Even party sources say the new leaders will not be known for sure until the new standing committee emerges from behind a screen in the Great Hall of the People on Friday.

Hu Jintao is expected to emerge as Party chief

Among the matters the delegates are discussing is a proposal to change the party's constitution. Mr Jiang has proposed that the Communist Party formally allows China's once-reviled capitalist entrepreneurs to join the party.

The Communist meeting is being held amid tight security and keen to avoid displays of dissent At least six people have been arrested after holding individual protests outside the hall.