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One central question often dominates discussions of China's future: will this country ever become an electoral democracy - with rival parties fighting for power at the ballot box?

The answer from the number two man in the Communist Party is simple: No.

In his speech to the annual session of the National People's Congress, that China would "never simply copy the system of Western countries or introduce a system of multiple parties holding office in rotation".

A definitive statement then. No wiggle room whatsoever.

But other leaders have left the door ajar. In a television interview a few months ago, China's Premier Wen Jiabao was asked whether or not he could foresee competitive elections in China in 25 years' time. "It's hard for me to predict," .

But now, the man who outranks Mr Wen in the Communist hierarchy has made it clear: no competitive elections in China. Ever. So long, of course, as the Communist Party remains in charge.

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