Hu poised for total control

Chinese President Hu Jintao is all set to succeed Jiang Zemin as the Chairman of the State Central Military Commission (CMC), further consolidating his grip on power in world's most populous nation, reports said.

Hu is widely expected to be elected as the new Chairman of the State CMC, as per the practice over the past two decades, the official Xinhua news agency reported Friday, indicating that the engineer-turned-politician will control China's politics, government and military.

From Roof of the World to Top of the Party  

Hu's appointment to the key military post became clear when a spokesman of the Chinese parliament, Jiang Enzhu told reporters here that the upcoming session of the National People's Congress (NPC) will review the request of the Chinese helmsman, Jiang to resign as Chairman of the State CMC.

The President is already general secretary of the ruling Communist Party, a post relinquished by Jiang in 2003.

Hu has already succeeded Jiang as the Chairman of the CMC of the CPC in September 2004. Jiang's surprise resignation had ensured a smooth transition of power from the 'third generation' of Chinese leaders to the 'fourth generation' headed by Hu.

Jiang Hu head for showdown 

The NPC spokesman said that the Chinese parliament, which will commence its 10-day session here from March 5, will elect the new chairman of the State CMC and decide on the new members according to nomination of the new chairman.

Some 3,000 members of the parliament will also hear and review the government work report to be delivered by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Another important agenda of the session will be the deliberation of the anti-secession law, aimed to prevent arch-rival, Taiwan from declaring independence.