Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Chinese leader to visit Pakistan amid preparations for leadership change at home

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Chinese president Hu Jintao sent senior leader, Li Changchun, to Islamabad and Dhaka for "official goodwill visits" starting Wednesday. The move is surprising since the Communist Party's leadership change is due on November 8. Li is among leaders who will vacate his seat in the party's political standing committee, which effectively rules the country. Seven of the nine members in this committee will be replaced during the leadership shuffle. There was no coherent explanation for the sudden move to send Li to Islamabad. Observers said China is keenly watching the groundswell of public opinion against the Taliban after the attack on the 14-year-old activist, Malala Yousufzai. Chinese foreign ministry said Li will discuss bilateraland regional issues with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. He will also inaugurate an additional channel of China Radio International in Urdu.

No comments: