CHINA-CORRUPTION C - Reissue. Shows circle of allies and associates of former security chief Zhou Yongkang 

China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (front) talks with Former China's President Hu Jintao after a plenary session of the National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing March 3, 2011.Two influential former Chinese leaders gave their consent for President Xi Jinping to investigate ex-domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, sources told Reuters, a sign the corruption probe will not open a rift in the ruling Communist Party. Xi's predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin had approved the formal investigation into Zhou, the most senior Chinese official to be ensnared in a graft scandal since the party swept to power in 1949, two sources with ties to the leadership said. Picture taken on March 3, 2011. To match Exclusive CHINA-CORRUPTION/ REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (C) walks past Former China's President Hu Jintao (R) and Premier Wen Jiabao as they attend the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, March 3, 2009. Two influential former Chinese leaders gave their consent for President Xi Jinping to investigate ex-domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, sources told Reuters, a sign the corruption probe will not open a rift in the ruling Communist Party. Xi's predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin had approved the formal investigation into Zhou, the most senior Chinese official to be ensnared in a graft scandal since the party swept to power in 1949, two sources with ties to the leadership said. Picture taken on March 3, 2009. To match Exclusive CHINA-CORRUPTION/ REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

A newspaper with a picture of China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang is seen at a newsstand in Hong Kong July 30, 2014. China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it had launched a corruption investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou, one of the country's most influential politicians of the last decade, in a case that has its origins in a party power struggle.
REUTERS/Bobby Yip (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

Books on China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang are displayed at a newsstand in Hong Kong July 30, 2014. China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it had launched a corruption investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou, one of the country's most influential politicians of the last decade, in a case that has its origins in a party power struggle. REUTERS/Bobby Yip (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

A vendor works beside Hong Kong newspapers showing photos of China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang displayed at a newsstand in Hong Kong July 30, 2014. China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it had launched a corruption investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou, one of the country's most influential politicians of the last decade, in a case that has its origins in a party power struggle. REUTERS/Bobby Yip (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

A man buys cigarettes at a newsstand carrying a newspaper with front page cover of China's then Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang in Beijing July 30, 2014. China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it had launched a corruption investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou, one of the country's most influential politicians of the last decade, in a case that has its origins in a party power struggle. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW MEDIA) 

Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang attends the opening ceremony of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing October 15, 2007. China has begun an investigation into former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, one of the most powerful politicians of the last decade, on suspicion of corruption, state media said on July 29, 2014, in what could be one of the country's worst scandals. Picture taken October 15, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

CHINA-CORRUPTION – Shows circle of allies and associates of Zhou Yongkang, a known Bo Xilai supporter. Accompanies Reuters Special Report 

Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang attends Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing October 16, 2007. Few figures are as divisive in China as former domestic security tsar Zhou, reportedly under investigation by the ruling Communist Party for corruption. Even the once ambitious but now ousted politician Bo Xilai, whose trial on corruption ended on August 26, 2013, doesn't evoke the same depth of feeling that Zhou does. From the oil fields of frigid northeastern China, the hulking Zhou worked his way up to the elite Politburo Standing Committee, where his spending on domestic security exceeded the separate budgets for defence, healthcare or education. Picture taken October 16, 2007. To match story CHINA-POLITICS/ZHOU REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS) 

Then China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang attends the opening ceremony of the 17th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing October 15, 2007. Few figures are as divisive in China as former domestic security tsar Zhou, reportedly under investigation by the ruling Communist Party for corruption. Even the once ambitious but now ousted politician Bo Xilai, whose trial on corruption ended on August 26, 2013, doesn't evoke the same depth of feeling that Zhou does. From the oil fields of frigid northeastern China, the hulking Zhou worked his way up to the elite Politburo Standing Committee, where his spending on domestic security exceeded the separate budgets for defence, healthcare or education. Picture taken October 15, 2007. To match story CHINA-POLITICS/ZHOU REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS) 

Then China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang waves during a meeting with the media at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. Few figures are as divisive in China as former domestic security tsar Zhou, reportedly under investigation by the ruling Communist Party for corruption. Even the once ambitious but now ousted politician Bo Xilai, whose trial on corruption ended on August 26, 2013, doesn't evoke the same depth of feeling that Zhou does. From the oil fields of frigid northeastern China, the hulking Zhou worked his way up to the elite Politburo Standing Committee, where his spending on domestic security exceeded the separate budgets for defence, healthcare or education. Picture taken October 22, 2007. To match story CHINA-POLITICS/ZHOU REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS) 

China's former Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing October 16, 2007. Few figures are as divisive in China as former domestic security tsar Zhou, reportedly under investigation by the ruling Communist Party for corruption. Even the once ambitious but now ousted politician Bo Xilai, whose trial on corruption ended on August 26, 2013, doesn't evoke the same depth of feeling that Zhou does. From the oil fields of frigid northeastern China, the hulking Zhou worked his way up to the elite Politburo Standing Committee, where his spending on domestic security exceeded the separate budgets for defence, healthcare or education. Picture taken October 16, 2007. To match story CHINA-POLITICS/ZHOU REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

Former China Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang reacts as he attends the Hebei delegation discussion sessions at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. China's senior leadership has agreed to open a corruption investigation into Zhou, one of China's most powerful politicians in the past decade, stepping up its anti-graft campaign, the South China Morning Post reported on August 30, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

Former China Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang attends the opening ceremony of the 17th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in this October 15, 2007 file photo. China's senior leadership has agreed to open a corruption investigation into Zhou, one of China's most powerful politicians in the past decade, stepping up its anti-graft campaign, the South China Morning Post reported on August 30, 2013. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS CRIME LAW) 

China's former Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang attends the closing ceremony of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 14, 2012. China's senior leadership has agreed to open a corruption investigation into Zhou, one of China's most powerful politicians in the past decade, stepping up its anti-graft campaign, the South China Morning Post reported on August 30, 2013. Picture taken March 14, 2012. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Former China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang attends the second plenary meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 8, 2012. China's senior leadership has agreed to open a corruption investigation into Zhou, one of China's most powerful politicians in the past decade, stepping up its anti-graft campaign, the South China Morning Post reported on August 30, 2013. Picture taken March 8, 2012. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A member of the Nepalese Armed Police Force stands guard at Bhaktapur Durbar Square to provide security for China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang's visit at the ancient city of Bhaktapur August 18, 2011. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (3rd L) and Nepal's caretaker Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal (C) meet at the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu August 17, 2011. Zhou, leading a high-level Chinese delegation on a three-day visit, will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang shakes hand with Nepal's caretaker Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal (R) during their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu August 17, 2011. Zhou, leading a high-level Chinese delegation on a three-day visit, will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (L) arrives for a meeting with Nepal's caretaker Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu August 17, 2011. Zhou, leading a high-level Chinese delegation on a three-day visit, will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang shakes hand with Nepal's caretaker Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal (R) during their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu August 17, 2011. Zhou, leading a high-level Chinese delegation on a three-day visit, will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS) 

Chairman of Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala (C), vice president of Nepali Congress Ram Chandra Poudel (L) and senior leader Prakash Man Singh leave after their meeting with China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

A security guard of Chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, carries a gift for China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, arrives for a meeting with China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. At left is Prachanda's son Prakash Dahal. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Chairman of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal (C), also known as Prachanda, arrives for a meeting with China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (R) meets with the senior leaders of the Nepali Congress in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang is seen during a meeting with the senior leaders of the Nepali Congress in Kathmandu August 16, 2011. A high-level Chinese delegation led by Zhou will hold talks on economic cooperation and sign at least six agreements with Nepali authorities on loan and economic cooperation, according to local media. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar (NEPAL - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS) 

Tibetan exiles shout slogans during a protest outside the venue where Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang is addressing a seminar on 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' in New Delhi November 1, 2010. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

Tibetan exiles shout slogans from a police bus after being detained during a protest outside the venue where Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang is addressing a seminar on 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' in New Delhi November 1, 2010. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

A Tibetan exile tries to escape after being detained inside a police bus during a protest outside the venue where Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang is addressing a seminar on 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' in New Delhi November 1, 2010. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

Police detain a Tibetan exile during a protest outside the venue where Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang is addressing a seminar on 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' in New Delhi November 1, 2010. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

Police detain Tibetan exiles during a protest outside the venue where Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang is addressing a seminar on 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' in New Delhi November 1, 2010. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi (INDIA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) 

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (L) meets Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang (C) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 20, 2010. At right is Chinese Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu. REUTERS/Ng Han Guan/Pool (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS) 

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (L) meets Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang (R) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 20, 2010. REUTERS/Ng Han Guan/Pool (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS) 

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (L) shakes hand with Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Zhou Yongkang during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 20, 2010. REUTERS/Ng Han Guan/Pool (CHINA - Tags: POLITICS) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (L) and the president of the Beijing Olympics organizing committee Liu Qi stand behind the Olympic flame upon its arrival at Beijing airport March 31, 2008. The Beijing Olympic flame was welcomed by cheering children in the Chinese capital amid tight security on Monday after attempts by pro-Tibet protesters in Athens to block its path. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (L) and the president of the Beijing Olympics organizing committee Liu Qi stand behind the Olympic flame upon its arrival at Beijing airport March 31, 2008. The Beijing Olympic flame was welcomed by cheering children in the Chinese capital amid tight security on Monday after attempts by pro-Tibet protesters in Athens to block its path. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang stands behind the Olympic flame upon its arrival at Beijing airport March 31, 2008. The Beijing Olympic flame was welcomed by cheering children in the Chinese capital amid tight security on Monday after attempts by pro-Tibet protesters in Athens to block its path. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

Li Keqiang (C) shakes hands with China's Politburo Standing Committee Member Zhou Yongkang (L) as another member Li Changchun reaches out after Li was newly elected as new Vice Premier after the plenary session of China's parliament, National People's Congress, in Beijing March 17, 2008. China's parliament endorsed the nominations of four vice-premiers on Monday, cementing top leadership positions for the next five years. Li is tipped to take over from Premier Wen Jiabao in 2013. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

RNPS IMAGES OF THE YEAR 2007 - A combination photo shows pictures of China's new Politburo Standing Committee members (L-R, 1st row) Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, (L-R, 2nd row) Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, (L-R, 3rd row) Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang wave to the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. China's ruling Communist Party unveiled its new nine-member Politburo Standing Committee line-up on Monday, with President Hu Jintao retaining his seat and consolidating power after a week-long 17th Party Congress. REUTERS/Staff (CHINA) 

China's Politburo Standing Committee Member, Zhou Yongkang, waves to the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. China's ruling Communist Party unveiled its new nine-member Politburo Standing Committee line-up on Monday, with President Hu Jintao retaining his seat and consolidating power after a week-long 17th Party Congress. REUTERS/Joe Chan (CHINA) 

A combination photo shows pictures of China's new Politburo Standing Committee members (from L to R, 1st row) Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, (from L to R, 2nd row) Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, (from L to R, 3rd row) Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang wave to the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. China's ruling Communist Party unveiled its new nine-member Politburo Standing Committee line-up on Monday, with President Hu Jintao retaining his seat and consolidating power after a week-long 17th Party Congress. REUTERS/Staff (CHINA) 

China's new Politburo Standing Committee Members (L-R) Wen Jiabao, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Li Changchun, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang arrive for a line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA) 

A combination photo shows pictures of China's new Politburo Standing Committee members (from L to R, 1st row) Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, (from L to R, 2nd row) Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, (from L to R, 3rd row) Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang wave to the press at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. China's ruling Communist Party unveiled its new nine-member Politburo Standing Committee line-up on Monday, with President Hu Jintao retaining his seat and consolidating power after a week-long 17th Party Congress. REUTERS/Staff (CHINA) 

China's President Hu Jintao (C) waves while other new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Joe Chan (CHINA) 

China's President Hu Jintao (L) speaks while other new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from 2nd L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's President Hu Jintao (L) and other new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from 2nd L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping ,He Guoqiang leave after a meeting with the media at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

A combination photo shows file pictures of China's new Politburo Standing Committee members (from L to R, 1st row) Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, (from L to R, 2nd row) Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, (from L to R, 3rd row) Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang. China's ruling Communist Party unveiled its new nine-member Politburo Standing Committee line-up on Monday, with Hu retaining his seat and consolidating power after a week-long 17th Party Congress. Reuters/Files (CHINA) 

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) speaks as he stands with other members of China's new Politburo Standing Committee (L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA) 

China's President Hu Jintao (L) speaks as he stands with other members of China's new Politburo Standing Committee (L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA) 

China's new Politburo Standing Committee Members (L-R) Xi Jinping,Li Keqiang,He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang meet with the media at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA) 

China's President Hu Jintao (L) waves while other new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from 2nd L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's new Politburo Standing Committee Members (from L to R) Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Li Changchun, Wen Jiabao, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Jia Qinglin, Xi Jinping and He Guoqiang line up at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 22, 2007. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA) 

China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang is seen in Beijing in this October 16, 2007 file photo. Zhou is a member of the newly selected Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China on October 22, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee/Files (CHINA) 

China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang gestures as he attends Hebei delegation discussion sessions of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing October 16, 2007. The country's top cop credited with creating a more professional and powerful police force, Zhou, 64, a former oil company boss, is touted to replace hardline security tsar Luo Gan, who at 72 is to retire. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang gestures as he attends Hebei delegation discussion sessions of the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing October 16, 2007. The country's top cop credited with creating a more professional and powerful police force, Zhou, 64, a former oil company boss, is touted to replace hardline security tsar Luo Gan, who at 72 is to retire. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA) 

He Guoqiang (R), head of the Party's organisation department which is in charge of personnel changes, and China's Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang (L) attend the opening ceremony of the 17th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 15, 2007. REUTERS/Jason Lee (CHINA)