Zhongnanhai (the blog) has been hearing many different versions of the changes that are occuring inside Zhongnanhai (the government compound).

We have speculated on this blog about the political future of one high profile official, and we are still waiting to hear official word. That being said, a number of other rumors are circulating this week, as China's leadership meets behind closed doors until Wednesday. This three day session aims at hammering out the details ahead of the National People's Congress, which opens on March 20 (Update: As Xinhua has confirmed, the opening date for the NPC is March 5). The new recruits to the Standing Committee of the Politburo will receive their portfolios, and several other staffing announcements will be made on that day.

This blog is unwilling to stake its reputation (what little of one we may have) on these rumors, although, shall we say, we're "confident" that we're right. That being said, our sources tell us "anything can change" when it comes to Chinese politics.

So let's begin the guessing, and compare notes following the formal announcements on March 5:

• Wang Qishan, the former mayor of Beijing who stepped down last year, will become the Vice-Premier in charge of the economy.


• Hui Liangyu will return to the fold, and become a Vice-Premier.


• Xi Jinping, the annointed successor to Hu Jintao, will take over Zeng Qinghong's former role.

More details will be posted as it leaks out of this week's meeting.