Seaside meeting of experts a clue to the summer migration of China's political elite
Beidaihe resort on Sunday indicates that senior Chinese leaders have started their annual summer break.
In keeping with an annual protocol,
Cai Qi hosted more than three dozen Chinese academics and scientists in the seaside city, saying 'experts and talented individuals are valuable assets to the party and the country', according to a report published by state broadcaster CCTV on Sunday.
State media reports said the attendees were experts from hi-tech industries, as well as young talent engaged in fundamental research and scholars of philosophy and the social sciences.
01:25
Where China's top leaders discreetly go in summer: a brief history of Beidaihe
Where China's top leaders discreetly go in summer: a brief history of Beidaihe
Last year,
invitations were extended to researchers in artificial intelligence, deep-sea exploration and quantum physics, highlighting the country's drive for tech self-reliance.
Cai, who ranks fifth in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy, is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and director of the party's general office. His appearance indicates that the senior Chinese leadership has started its unofficial annual retreat to Beidaihe, a seaside town 300km (186 miles) east of Beijing.
The tradition was started in the 1950s by leaders, including Mao Zedong, who worked from there during the summer. Beidaihe was long used by Chinese leaders to set the political agenda and strategy during a less busy time in their political calendar. It is believed to be used mostly as a
summer holiday retreat these days rather than a meeting venue for political leaders.
In recent years, the leaders' August break has lasted around 10 to 14 days. During this time, top political leaders have a reduced public presence in China, although they appear when urgent matters, such as natural disasters, arise.
Details about how long leaders will stay at the resort are not made public, but Qinghuadao, the city in Hebei province that governs Beidaihe, announced in May that drones and other low-altitude aircraft would be banned in July and August, a clear indication that stricter security measures would be in place.
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