In line to replace them are two military leaders, Chief of Staff Zhang Wannian and Defense Minister Chi Haotian.

CNN: To Decide the Future

Zhang, 67, was appointed vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) last year, along with Defense Minister Chi Haotian, 66.

CNN: PLAYMAKERS

In the wake of a Washington trip last week by Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Liu Huaqiu, Defense Minister Chi Haotian is scheduled to visit the U.S. next month.

CNN: Unreal War

Then last week, U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen was in Beijing, toasting his counterpart Chi Haotian and telling the world that far from itching to attack, China's hardliners had become veritable peaceniks.

CNN: ?>?magazine

On a visit to Beijing in July, Mr Cohen believed he had heard his Chinese counterpart, Chi Haotian, make the remarkable admission that China had no intention of using force against Taiwan.

ECONOMIST: Time for chat about Taiwan?