Wang Zhicheng

As some are promoted, others see their career blocked. Chinese generals reflect the country's leadership problems, divided between conservatives and liberals. The PLA is now a major player in the economy but also a den of corruption. A campaign is undertaken to keep soldiers loyal to the party.

GDP growth is less than target set by the leadership, but in September industrial output, retail sales, exports increased. Inflation also drops. Analysts divided: there are signs of stabilization, or maybe data manipulation ahead of the Communist Party Congress.

Wang thanked the court and will not appeal. Great caution before the 18th Party Congress. It is assumed that Bo Xilai, former chief of Chongqing, will be expelled and prosecuted after the important meeting.

An account of the trial in Xinhua reveals that Wang Lijun told ex Chongqing party chief of suspicions about his wife, who killed businessman Neil Heywood, and is slapped for this. Bo could go on trial shortly. Party congress date not yet announced.

Xi Jinping reappears after two weeks of absence fueled with speculation about his health and Party struggles. The U.S. Secretary of Defense proposes a strengthening of ties between "the two great nations of the Pacific." The invitation to participate in a naval military exercise in Hawaii. The U.S. claim role as guarantors of peace in the Pacific Ocean. China buys Treasury bonds and holds the top spot as foreign holder of U.S. debt: 1150 billion.

Yesterday there was a secret session. Today the public session opens, but journalists are barred. Wang is accused of corruption and use of the law for selfish ends, but above all defection of seeking refuge in the U.S. Consulate in Chengdu. His escape led to the fall of Bo Xilai, the death sentence of his wife Gu Kailai, and the revelation of corruption in the party.

The future president "in pectore" did not show up to meetings with foreign dignitaries and party meeting. Rumors of leadership tensions and even a possible attempt on his life by Bo Xilai supporters. Internet searchers blocked.

The once powerful former police chief of Chongqing is accused of defection, abuse of power, corruption and hiding evidence. Although he was a close collaborator of Bo Xilai, the latter’s name is not mentioned in connection to the charges. Thanks to Wang murder intrigue of British businessman Heywood discovered. But the party accuses him of "betrayal", perhaps because he revealed the rot at centre of leadership.

Study Times, a paper run by the party's central school, lists problems caused by Hu and Wen's 10 years in power: limited political reforms, greater pollution, income disparity and social instability. It also calls for greater democracy. It is not clear whether the article is a final push against current leaders, or a part of the ongoing power struggle for control of the politburo. So far, Jiang Zemin's Shanghai gang is the only winner.

In five years, 18 bridges have collapsed killing 135 people, blamed on flooding or overloaded lorries. In the past ten years, about 200,000 bridges were built quickly, with poor workmanship and shoddy materials. Corruption and failure to respect safety regulations explain low quality bridges and construction material. Online, Chinese openly voice their criticism.

Talks centred on developing special economic zones along the Sino-North Korean border. Jiang Song-thaek has a reputation of being a moderniser in Pyongyang. Although the country is still suffering from mass hunger, the regime will not give up its nuclear programme.

Gu Kailai has confessed to the murder of businessman Heywood, with a motive: concern for her son's life. Perhaps to escape the death penalty. The party tries to save itself during trial: no one gives the name of Bo Xilai, the fallen chief of Chongqing. Meanwhile preparations for the 18th Congress of the Communist Party push ahead. Security in the capital ensured by over 27 thousand soldiers and the "iron fist" of the police.