Wang Zhicheng

Parliament's annual session will last until 17 March and mark the rise of the Communist Party's fifth generation. Outgoing Prime Minister Wen Jiabao forecast lower growth at 7.5 per cent, inflation at 3.5 per cent and ten per cent greater public spending. He also reiterated the government's commitment to fighting corruption and protecting the environment. Online, Wen's speech is seen as worn-out "words" heard year after year.

Xinhua has not yet reported the event. Many 'patriotic' priests have been attracted by Benedict XVI's witness. He is also an example for many Chinese bishops who are already in their eighties and nineties.

Xi is also thinking of a high-level summit to resolve the dispute, modelled on the meeting between Zhu Enlai and Tanaka in 1972. But in China there are sections of the population inflamed with patriotism and leaders who want Beijing’s total supremacy in the China Sea.

Economic considerations now enter the picture: shrinking workforce, aging population and lower domestic consumption. Although Hu Jintao does not mention low birth rates, Population minister sticks to the policy. Forced abortions and sterilisation go hand in hand with the privileges of the wealthy who have many children. This is leading to social tensions.

Press freedom "raped". Head of provincial propaganda under attack after forcing the publication of an editorial lauding party achievements and removing newspaper editorial calling for the implementation of the constitution. Open letter from journalists blocked online; their microblog threatened. The public worry the newspaper will be closed. The contradiction between Xi Jinping’s sermons, in praise of constitution, and the reality of the provinces, governed in a Stalinist way.

They own private companies and manage state corporations, with properties abroad or offshore. The descendants of the Party's founders are China's new 'red aristocracy' and have created one of the most unjust societies in the world with the gap between haves and have-nots reaching a danger level. At least 500 episodes of social unrest occur each day. Xi Jinping is urged to fight corruption and implement reforms; however, the study that reveals the princelings' assets is blocked.

Mgr Thaddeus Daqin quit the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association the day of his ordination as a token of obedience to the pope. He also refused to share communion with an excommunicated bishop. The government-sanctioned Bishops' Conference, which stripped him of his title, is not recognised by the Holy See. Xi Jinping's leadership elicits hopes and brings disappointments.

He will lead the new Politburo Standing Committee, with seven people (not nine). Hu Jintao also hands over the direction of the Central Military Commission. The new leadership group is very close to Jiang Zemin, head of the "Shanghai Gang". Xi Jinping enhances the role of the Party to ensure a "better life" for the people, a "stronger" nation, a "more powerful” China.

Everything is unfolding as in a well-rehearsed play. Tomorrow, members of the politburo and its standing committee will be selected. Interviewed, delegates speak movingly about Hu Jintao's address. "Scientific development" is added to the constitution.

State media exalt "the tenacious, tough and relentless spirit " activists point out that in the 10 years corruption has become endemic. The need to separate the Party and State, as already proposed in 87 by the unfortunate Zhao Ziyang. In Hong Kong rally for democracy in the territory and homeland.

The outgoing president slams corruption, which could "cause the collapse of the party". The law must be equal for everyone irrespective of social status or condition. Hu reiterates the importance of "scientific development" for balanced social and economic development. China is set to modernise its armed forces and become a maritime power to protect its borders. The Communist party is both doctor and patient.

More than 50% of the Chinese appreciate the American democratic system, even if they have a negative opinion about the USA. In Taiwan the Chinese of the Peoples Republic prefer to pass the time watching political debates on TV, rather than at karaoke. Silence shrouds leadership change on the eve of the Communist Party Congress.