Job at elite institution for leadership contender

The country's sixth-ranked leader, Xi Jinping, has taken over from outgoing Vice-President Zeng Qinghong as the president of the elite Central Party School - another indication that he is likely to lead the country in five years.

His appointment has not been formally announced, but both Xinhua and China Central Television called Mr Xi 'the president of the Central Party School' in news reports yesterday. They also said he delivered a keynote speech to new Politburo members at a symposium organised by the school recently.

The school is the highest institution of the Communist Party for training high- and mid-ranking officials and Marxist theoreticians. It also provides ideas for top leaders on governance of the country and the party.

Because of its importance, the presidency of the school is always regarded as an influential position that allows the holder to develop connections among the party elite.

The appointment puts Mr Xi further ahead of main rival Li Keqiang, a close ally of President Hu Jintao , who is ranked seventh in the party hierarchy.

Mr Xi, 54, and Mr Li, 52, were elevated into the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee in October. It is widely believed one of them will succeed Mr Hu when he steps down in five years. Mr Xi, with better party connections, has an edge over Mr Li, but with five years remaining, the race is far from over.