China's Aristocratic Class Wields Its Influence to Shape
Politics  Share with others:  Print Email Read Later  BEIJING --
When Maoists were trying to keep control of China in the 1970s,
a powerful general from the south came to the aid of moderates,
helping to arrest the radicals and throw them in jail. The bold
actions of the general, Ye Jianying, paved the way for the
country's move to a more market-oriented economy, and created a
political dynasty that still plays kingmaker, able to influence
national policy and protect its sprawling business empire in
southern China.  Over the past year, according to party insiders
familiar with the situation, Mr. Ye's children -- the general
died in 1986 at age 89 -- have helped organize meetings to
criticize the country's current course, and have influenced top
military appointments while also helping block a vocal economic
reformer from joining the Politburo's Standing Committee, the
small, powerful group at the top of the party hierarchy, because
they felt that he was