Xi reshuffles key party posts ahead of congress

Beijing

CHINESE President Xi Jinping has reshuffled three top provincial-level Communist Party posts as he seeks to place his men in key positions ahead of a once-every-five-years congress next year, and more new appointments are likely soon.

The party congress, expected to be held next autumn, will see Mr Xi further cement his hold on power by appointing close allies into the party's ruling inner core, the 25-member Politburo and the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee.

Mr Xi, who doubles as Communist Party and military chief, is ranked No 1 in the Standing Committee - the ap…