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China's Hu calls for party unity as succession looms

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao has called for unity in the ruling Communist Party and unflinching backing for economic reforms in the face of "unprecedented challenges," as Beijing struggles with a scandal-hit leadership transition and economic slowdown.
Hu's speech to dozens of top officials dominated the front pages of China's major state-run newspapers on Tuesday, a sign of its importance in setting the themes for a party congress late this year that will install a new generation of leaders.