Former president Jiang Zemin's recent unusual and frequent public appearances show he still wields considerable power over the transition to a new leadership later this year, analysts say.
It also suggests intense horse-trading among factions as they finalise major personnel and policy issues ahead of the 18th party congress.
Retired leaders traditionally stay out of the limelight, except for politically symbolic events such as National Day. Jiang has made three forays into the public eye in one week, all covered by the media.
Jiang, who retired as party general secretary in late 2002 and president in March 2003, telephoned the city party chief of his hometown, Yangzhou in Jiangsu province, following a mild earthquake.
A local newspaper reported on the exchange on July 23 and it appeared on the website of the People's Daily yesterday, although it was not included in the print edition.
He also sent flowers to the funeral of former propaganda chief Ding Guangen. And on Monday, a history textbook with a preface by Jiang was published. Broadcaster CCTV carried a report on the book during its evening news.
The 85-year-old no longer holds any official position, but analysts say he remains an influential player in the jockeying for power as the next generation of leadership takes shape.