The magnificent 12

Xi Jinping - Vice President

Previously the party secretary of Zhejiang province and Shanghai, Xi is almost certain to inherit Hu Jintao’s triple roles of president, party secretary and head of the military. Xi is known in China for a tough stance on corruption and an appetite for political and economic reform. He is a princeling; his father was Xi Zhongxun, a vice premier under Deng Xiaoping.

Li Keqiang - Executive Vice Premier

Li is likely to replace Wen Jiabao as premier. Previously the head of Liaoning province and the Communist Youth League, Li has backed reforms such as affordable housing, clean energy and strengthening the middle-class to achieve an “oliveshaped” wealth distribution.

Wang Qishan - Vice Premier

Formerly a top executive at the People’s Bank of China and the China Construction Bank and the mayor of Beijing, Wang supports financial liberalization and managed China’s 1998 bankruptcy restructuring.

Liu Yunshan - Head of the Propaganda Department

Liu has worked to gain more control over the media and internet and promote Chi- na’s image overseas. Since he has already served two terms in the Politburo, he is likely to be promoted to the PSC.

Liu Yandong - State Councilor

The former head of the United Work Front, Liu is the only woman in the Politburo. Liu crosses factional boundaries; she is a former member of the Communist Youth League and has close ties with Hu Jintao, yet is also the daughter of a former vice minister.

Li Yuanchao - Head of the Organization Department

A mentee of Hu Jintao and the son of Shanghai’s former vice mayor, Li has ties with both the tuanpai and princelings that could make him a key compromise candidate. A former head of Jiangsu, Liu is known for his support of intra-party democracy.

Wang Yang - Guangdong Party Secretary

Formerly the head of Chongqing, Wang supports media transparency and financial reforms. Because of his relative youth, he stands to serve on the PSC for two terms.

Zhang Gaoli - Tianjin Party Secretary

The former party secretary of Shandong province and Shenzhen, Zhang was brought to power as a mentee of Jiang Zemin. His policy initiatives have included promoting foreign investment and GDP growth.

Zhang Dejiang - Vice Premier

The former party secretary of Zhejiang and Guangdong, Zhang has already served two terms in the Politburo and thus is likely to be promoted. His priorities include promoting “indigenous innovation” and the global expansion of Chinese businesses.

Yu Zhengsheng - Shanghai Party Secretary

The former head of Hubei province and the minister of construction, Yu is the son-inlaw of PLA Major General Zhang Zhenhuan. He has fought for private sector liberalization and strengthening the rule of law. Yu is one of the oldest of the group; if he is not asked to retire, his seniority will make him a key figure.

Bo Xilai - Party Secretary of Chongqing

Bo, the former minister of commerce and governor of Liaoning, has captured the media’s attention by launching the“Chongqing model,” a program to equitably distribute wealth, as well as a campaign to fight organized crime and raise morale called “striking black triads” and “singing red songs.” He is the son of Bo Yibo, one of the “eight elders”of the Communist Party.

Meng Jianzhu - State Councilor and

Minister of Public Security. Recent rumors have it that Meng may be a candidate to take charge of the PSC’s security and law enforcement portfolio.