Xi Jinping claims to have old guard's backing for anti-graft campaign
Analysts say president still has to cement the support of retired party cadres for his ongoing campaign against corruption in the ranks
President Xi Jinping said yesterday that his administration's anti-graft campaign had the "staunch backing" of retired party cadres, amid speculation that some former party leaders may not be prepared to fully support it.
Citing a survey of retired officials this year by the Communist Party's Organisation Department, Xi said "old comrades" generally approved of the party headquarters' directions.
"[You] have staunchly supported [our drives] to improve the party's work style, and our determination to crack down on corruption," Xi was quoted by state broadcaster as saying to a gathering of retired cadres in Beijing yesterday. "I hope all old comrades treasure [their] glorious past … and continue to be examples of the party's glorious tradition and good practices."
Beijing embarked on a wide-reaching campaign two years ago to root out graft among party, government, military and state-owned company officials.
Dozens of senior ministerial and provincial officials have fallen, as well as retired top cadres like former domestic security tsar Zhou Yongkang and former general Xu Caihou .
Many of the fallen are thought to have close ties with retired party leaders' factions, prompting speculation as to what extent these senior figures would approve of Xi's graft crackdown.
