CCTV FOLLIES 12.09 (con't) Xi away, rivals play

While Xi stars in Saudi sideshow, Li Keqiang takes over acting leader role -Wily Wang Qishan still one to watch? -Covid "experts" push Chinese traditional medicine -US still "adding fuel to fire"

Lame duck premier Li Keqiang enjoying a few days in the limelight while his jealous rival for power Xi is far, far away in Saudi Arabia. A conference on international development is held in Li’s home province of Anhui and he looks cordial, comfortable and confident in this leadership role.

Wang Qishan, who’s been on the ins and outs with Xi Jinping also got a major cameo.

Wang Qishan holds an e-meeting in this grandiose room with Tim Cook, Stephen Schwarzman, Pony Ma, Richard Li and other powerful business leaders