China to name new leadership as early as next month: report

A Hong Kong newspaper on Wednesday said China will hold a national meeting of its ruling Communist Party as early as next month to appoint new leaders.

Quoting a source in Beijing, Ming Pao said the party`s 18th National Congress will be held Sept. 20-25 and come before National Day Oct. 1, dismissing speculation of a delayed in the event due to the political scandal of Chongqing party secretary Bo Xilai.

Certain foreign media had said the convention would likely be postponed until year`s end or early next year due to the scandal.

Ming Pao also said the Communist Party leadership believes that a September convention will likely propagandize party unity.

Chinese authorities have yet to announce the schedule for the convention, however. The Hong Kong daily South China Morning Post said the event will likely be announced through the official Xinhua News Agency several days before opening.

mungchii@donga.com