One of China's most popular local leaders, Bo Xilai, has left his post as governor of the northeastern Province of Liaoning to prepare for a more important role in the central government.

The reshuffle was made over the weekend at a provincial senior officials' meeting.

Speaking reasonably good English, the 54-year-old Bo Xilai has long been a favorite of the news media.

He has worked in Liaoning Province for 20 years.

There is also a top-level reshuffle in southeast China's Fujian Province.

The official Xinhua News Agency reports that Lu Zhangong, governor of the province, had been named acting communist party secretary, replacing Song Defu, who is reportedly ill.

(CRI February 17, 2004)