China: A Rumored Death and Guangdong Under Pressure

The Chinese State Council has denied media reports of the death of Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju, whose portfolio includes economic reforms, though few doubt the ailing leader's health problems have seriously hindered his government work. Whether he is dead or not, the rumors have once again raised speculation regarding factional jockeying inside the top echelons of Chinese leadership ahead of the upcoming Communist Party of China Plenum later this year. Perhaps more interesting, however, is the spread of the rumor via Phoenix TV — which could reflect an attempt by China's southern Guangdong province to avoid a central government-instigated purge like that seen in Shanghai a year ago.