BEIJING (AP) — China's ruling Communist Party has promoted an ally of the country's likely next president to a key position ahead of a party congress where a new generation of leaders will be named.
The official Xinhua News Agency said Saturday that Li Zhanshu has been appointed director of the general office of the party's central committee.
Li is thought to be a close ally of Xi Jinping, who is expected to become party leader and the country's next president. Li will be responsible for personnel arrangements for the party's top leaders.
He will replace Ling Jihua, a loyal aide of outgoing President Hu Jintao. Xinhua said Ling has been moved to another key position in the central committee, likely giving Hu continued influence in the party.
