Chinese Leader May Bolster Status As Deng’s Successor

President Jiang Zemin could fortify his status as the prime successor to senior leader Deng Xiaoping when the National People’s Congress convenes its annual session today.

Political promotions are expected during the congress - some of which would strengthen Jiang’s hold on power as the influence of 90-year-old Deng wanes along with his health.

Deng, who has retired from official duties, was listed Saturday as a member of the legislature’s 164-member presidium, a position he has held since the current congress began its five-year term in 1993. He missed the last two congressional sessions and is not expected to appear this year.

The 2,977 delegates to China’s top lawmaking body will consider about 15 economic laws, including legislation on the banking, securities and insurance industries, contracts, bankruptcies, and state-owned property.

But they will probably ignore proposals from China’s dissident community.

The dissidents have called for the closing of China’s notorious labor camps and for the establishment of a parliamentary democracy, among other things.