Xi Jinping to head 'secretive' conclave

In a bid to consolidate power to secure third term as China's President, Xi Jinping will be holding a major "secretive" party conclave in Beidaihe, the run-up to which is marked by developments seemingly aimed at reinforcing Xi's authority, media reports said.

In the summer resort of Beidaihe, the Communist Party of China is heading for a most crucial hurdle which will see the presence of party elders and top officials. This type of hurdle takes place each August where the most influential members of the party discuss matters including appointments to high-level posts.

These appointments will play an immensely important role for Xi as he eyes for a rare third term as the party's general secretary, reported Asia Nikkei.


However, what holds the attention is the kind of security and arrangements that are taking place at the seaside venue. The venue which is 300 km east of Beijing appears to have already been beefed up compared with last year.

An electronic road sign posted at a highway exit leading to Beidaihe warned that drones and flammable hazardous materials were not allowed. Local police barred entry as a coronavirus countermeasure, in contrast to 2021, when the area was still accessible as of July 23.