China's leaders displayed unity among the top ranks in two days of meetings with ministerial and provincial-level officials ahead of a once-a-decade political transition this fall, according to AP. Vice President Xi Jinping, who is on track to take over from President Hu Jintao in the fall's party congress, indicated in a closing speech on Tuesday that there would be continuity in government policy after the handover. He echoed Hu's call on Monday to build on "socialism with Chinese characteristics." The term describes China's model of development, which for three decades has favored economic liberalization but not aggressive political reform.
