In a new propaganda blitz, the People's Daily is publishing a series of special reports heaping praise on the economic success of certain regions - a move aimed at helping their party chiefs secure promotion at the next party congress, analysts say.
Ranging from four to eight pages, the reports focus on the progress the regions have made over the past five years.
Six areas have been included so far: Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin and Inner Mongolia.
Analysts disagreed on whether the reports indicated the whole leadership's endorsement of the political handling of these regions, or if they reflected only certain leaders' views. But they agreed the reports would help boost the chances of the party chiefs' being promoted.
'The reports are definitely designed to prepare public opinion for those waiting for promotion at the upcoming 18th party congress,' said Johnny Lau Yui-siu, a Hong Kong-based commentator.
Tianjin party boss and Politburo member Zhang Gaoli is widely expected to ascend to the innermost nine-member Politburo Standing Committee.
The party bosses of Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin and Inner Mongolia - Zhang Qingli, Yuan Chunqing, Wang Min , Sun Zhengcai and Hu Chunhua - are seen as possible candidates for higher roles.