State media yesterday heaped praise on President Jiang Zemin's contribution to the armed forces, fuelling speculation he will stay on as top military commander after an autumn leadership reshuffle.
The People's Daily and all major newspapers ran editorials singling out Mr Jiang's credentials as chairman of the Communist Party's Central Military Commission (CMC) on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army.
'The party central committee and the CMC with Jiang Zemin at the core has clearly discerned the changing times and social environment for military construction and carefully planned a strategy to strengthen the army with a broad global perspective and deep historical insight,' the editorial said.
'Advancing with the times and opening up with innovation run like a red line through Jiang Zemin's time as leader of the people's army, carrying forward the cause and forging into the future.'
Analysts said that the newspaper's commentary was seen as reflecting Mr Jiang's desire to retain his position as commission chairman so he could continue to wield political influence after the 16th party congress this autumn, when he is expected to give up some of his key posts.
Publication of the editorial coincided with the annual top-level meeting in the summer resort of Beidaihe, where party leaders are meeting to discuss issues including the leadership transition.
The article, which was coupled with a picture of Mr Jiang greeting soldiers, listed his efforts to develop and reform the army since he was named by Deng Xiaoping as military chief in 1989.