Leadership set to reshuffle positions in key provinces

The mainland leadership looks set to reshuffle senior positions in several key provinces, kicking off political manoeuvring that analysts expect to last until the next top leadership changes in 2012.

Jilin province Communist Party chief Dr Wang Min is expected to take over the top post in neighbouring Liaoning , according to sources who have been briefed on the matter.

His position will be filled by 46-year-old Agriculture Minister Dr Sun Zhengcai, who would become one of the youngest provincial party chiefs.

Jilin governor Han Changfu will replace Sun as agriculture minister, and Jilin deputy party chief Wang Rulin will become the new governor. Both are considered members of the so-called tuanpai - those with a background in the Communist Youth League, President Hu Jintao's power base.

Political analysts said the reshuffles, expected to be announced in the next few days, signalled that preparations for the next party congress in 2012 were under way.

Vice-President Xi Jinping and Vice-Premier Li Keqiang are expected to head the fifth-generation leadership.

Officials who were promoted this time, many of whom were formerly academics, would have good opportunities to take more important government posts in the coming years, analysts said.