19th CPC Congress: Xi’s Dark Horse from Guizhou Groomed for Sudden Rise

Chinese President Xi Jinping expects to strengthen his political grip once the Communist Party of China (CPC) holds its party congress in autumn this year, with an ally from quiet Guizhou Province set to emerge as a dark horse for the Politburo Standing Committee.

Promotion to the seven-man Politburo Standing Committee during the 19th CPC Congress would mean a sudden rise for Chen Min'er, currently the Communist Party Secretary of Guizhou Province. Chen once worked with Xi when the latter was the party's Secretary in Zhejiang Province, hence their close ties.

Currently a member of the 205-member Central Committee, Chen would have to bypass promotion to the 25-strong Politburo if he were to be elected to the powerful Politburo Standing Committee, which holds the final say over major economic decisions affecting China.

Reuters reported that Chen's "good relationship" with Xi and his penchant for getting work done competently makes him a dark horse for promotion to the Politburo Standing Committee during the 19th CPC Congress, with his possible elevation to the less-powerful Politburo being as good as guaranteed.

Just like Xi, Chen built his political career for three decades in Zhejiang Province, having enjoyed a steady run of promotions from being the Chinese President's chief propagandist in the province. He transferred to Guizhou Province in 2012 when he was made its deputy party secretary.

Chen's successful political career owes largely to Xi's mentorship, making him a favorite alongside other contenders. The South China Morning Post has also tipped Shanghai party secretary Han Zheng for a place in the Politburo Standing Committee, citing his work in transforming the city's service-based economy.

Other contenders touted for promotion to the Politburo Standing Committee include top figures from groups outside Xi's support base, such as Guangdong Province party secretary Hu Chunhua and Chongqing party secretary Sun Zhengcai.