Long-time political rivals Wang Yang and Bo Xilai - the Communist Party bosses of Guangdong and Chongqing, respectively - put on a show of harmony in Beijing on the weekend in an apparent effort to dispel rumours of fierce competition before a leadership reshuffle expected next year.
The pair struck a surprisingly friendly pose and signed a deal in Beijing on Sunday to strengthen and expand long-term co-operation, based on an accord inked two years ago when Wang visited Chongqing.
Wang said Guangdong congratulated Chongqing on its 'great achievement' in building a 'livable, green, smooth-running, safe and healthy' city, as pledged by Bo.
'The co-operation between Chongqing and Guangdong is very friendly,' yesterday's edition of The Southern Metropolis News quoted Wang as saying. Wang was Bo's predecessor as Chongqing party secretary, and some have seen Bo's campaigns in that city as indirect criticism of Wang's former administration.
Wang said Guangdong invested more than 43 billion yuan (HK$52.6 billion) in more than a thousand projects in Chongqing last year and there were more than 5,000 Guangdong companies operating in Chongqing - evidence of 'broad and deep collaboration'.
Meanwhile, Bo complimented Guangdong on its economic transformation and 'Happy Guangdong' campaign. The province vowed in its five-year plan to slow its annual economic growth rate from 12.5 per cent to 8 per cent so as to focus on 'real happiness' for its people.