Chinese air uncertainty over future of the party

A wave of self-criticism by China's Communist Party has heightened a feeling of political uncertainty. An editorial and article in the People's Daily newspaper were outspoken about the need for a change of style if the party was to survive. It was "a matter of life or death for the party," a party vice-chairman was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the trial of 10 purged party and military leaders continued. Thursday the Army's former logistics chief admitted he locked up 1,700 people in private jails and ordered ruthless interrogation and torture, resulting in some deaths. Wednesday, a television program viewed by millions showed Mao Tse-tung's widow, Jiang Qing, telling the court trying her for treason that Mao made her do it.