The Wall Street Journal, 19 July 2012

From appearances at least, China’s security chief Zhou Yongkang seems to be firmly in the saddle.

Despite reports that he has been forced to hand over day-to-day security affairs because of his support for ousted leader Bo Xilai, he seemed to be earning his pay earlier this week.

While he has been seen on numerous occasions in the recent past — meeting visiting foreign delegations, inspecting social service centers or chatting with villagers – his appearance on Tuesday seemed to be an example of the real thing. He was addressing a conference on social stability in the run up to the 18th Communist Party congress later this year – and the leadership transition that will guide China over the next decade.

State TV gave plenty of air time to the ninth ranking man on the powerful Politburo Standing Committee who also heads the party’s political and legislative affairs committee. He was joined by Meng Jianzhu, public security minister, and Wang Lequan – Politburo member, deputy secretary of the party’s political and legislative affairs committee and ex-party boss of Xinjiang. The People’s Daily, the Communist Party mouthpiece, had the report of the meeting prominently displayed on its front page on Wednesday.

In delivering a message to officials to stay on their toes ahead of the transfer of power, Mr. Zhou pulled back the veil just a little bit on where security officials see potential threats. He singled out housing evictions, labor disputes, pollution issues, problems involving lapses in the social welfare net and legal battles as potential areas for disruption ahead of the key event.

There is a need to resolve these disputes and root out sources of instability, he told the gathered officials, who were linked by phone and video hook up, according to the People’s Daily.

He reminded the assembled officials of the need to play up the accomplishments since the 17th party congress a decade ago as well as “resolutely oppose and handle according to law the disruptive and destructive acts of internal and external enemies.” Key flashpoint areas were Beijing, Tibet and Xinjiang.

He also admonished assembled officials to make sure the problems are solved where they arise. (Translation: These problems should not be elevated to Beijing)

Before he was finished, Mr. Zhou repeated the obligatory refrain of maintaining solidarity with Communist Party chief Hu Jintao.

Television showed him looking confident and appearing to be the star of the show. But the People’s Daily noted that Mr. Zhou attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Wang Lequan presided over the proceedings.

Case still not quite closed.

– William Kazer

http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/07/19/chinas-security-chief-still-on-the-job/