By Angus Foster BBC News, Beijing
October 19, 2012
Age is very important in China, and if you haven't been singled out
for high office by the time you are in your mid-twenties, it's probably
too late.
The two men who are set to become China's new president and
premier, Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, both joined the Party aged 21 and
have never worked outside it.
Nowadays children get exposed to politics even earlier,
starting from age six when they wear the distinctive red neckerchiefs of
the Young Pioneers. Formal political education doesn't really start
until selected children join the Communist Youth League, from 14, and
promising students are eligible for full party membership from 18.
To join the Party, you have to write an application letter to
your local party cell, be accepted into a study group, have your
thinking and background thoroughly examined, then be approved as a
probationary member. There is a formal ceremony held before the Party's
flag - a yellow hammer and sickle on a red background - and new members
swear the Party oath.
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