Xi hands Liu Yunshun reins of training school

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, has formally taken over as president of the Central Party School, succeeding Xi Jinping, the new party secretary general. Liu made his debut appearance in his new capacity yesterday to confer certificates on more than 600 graduates at ceremony at the campus in Beijing, Xinhua reported. The Central Party School has long been regarded as the cradle of senior party cadres, as most candidates for ministerial-level positions must attend courses at the school as a prerequisite for promotion. Choi Chi-yuk

Seven arrested over Tibetan's fiery protest

Police in Gansu province arrested seven people who they claim convinced a local Tibetan villager to self-immolate. The police allege that the drastic protest by a 26-year-old resident of Hezuo on October 6 was "masterminded by the "'Tibetan Youth Congress' of the overseas Dalai clique". More than 90 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March 2011. Activists say their actions stem from frustration over tight security, restrictions on religion and vilification of the Dalai Lama. Xinhua, AP

HK celebrities named as Guangdong advisers

Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow Sing-chi has been appointed a political adviser for Guangdong, sparking an online discussion among mainlanders. Many found the appointment amusing, as Chow is widely known for his humorous acting roles and has played parts deemed critical of the Communist Party's style of rule in his movies. Another Hong Kong celebrity, actor Kent Tong Chun-yip, was also appointed to the 978-member Guangdong committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Mimi Lau

Party expels Shanwei secretary over bribes

The Communist Party expelled its political and legal affairs secretary for Shanwei city over corruption, Xinhua reported, citing Guangdong's provincial graft watchdog. Chen Zengxin , 56, had been under internal investigation since August and now faces prosecution. The investigator accused him of having taken "enormous" bribes since he was party chief of Lufeng city. Caixin reported that a group of retired Lufeng officials had accused Chen of selling official positions, but the provincial investigator did not detail his alleged crimes. Staff Reporter