Beijing's Secret Succession Battle

As Beijing ramps up for next week's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, the Communist Party leadership is keen to present a stable, united front to the outside world. That show will be deceptive. Quite apart from the economic, political and social stresses affecting the country as a whole, the Party itself faces its own internal divisions and infighting. Look no further than the just-concluded plenary session of the Party's Central Committee.