Such is the secrecy in which China's Communist Party cloaks itself that Hu Jintao, its leader since 2002, has only twice given a live address to the nation setting out his party's policies in depth. His second, delivered on November 8th, a week before he steps down, was typically vague. Amid a growing chorus of calls for bolder economic and political reform, both he and incoming leaders favour caution. Intense security in Beijing and to varying degrees across the country on the day he spoke hinted at the party's nervousness.
展开▼
