Beijing, November 8
China today began the process of its once-in-a-decade leadership change, with a stern warning from outgoing President Hu Jintao that corruption in the ruling Communist Party could prove “fatal” to its 63-year-long grip over the country.

“If we fail to handle this issue well, it could prove fatal to the Party, and even cause the collapse of the party and the fall of the state,” Hu, who will be stepping down as President and General Secretary of the CPC, said in his keynote report to the Congress.

The week-long key meeting attended by 2,270 delegates chosen from all over country was kicked off here today at the Great Hall of the People amid unprecedented security to avert public protests to demonstrate simmering discontent over the ballooning wealth gap under the leadership of the Communist Party which swears by Marxian ideology.

Under Hu’s leadership in the past decade, China has emerged as the second largest economy. However, corruption has become the main issue dogging the ruling party and the country undermining the strength of significant growth rates that has improved the living standards 1.3 billion Chinese.

The party must maintain a tough position in cracking down on corruption at all times and conduct thorough investigations into major corruption cases, Hu said in a 90-minute address telecast live all over the country.

“All those who violate party discipline and state laws, whoever they are and whatever power or official positions they have, must be brought to justice without mercy,” he said. — PTI