Australia is about to receive a visit from the most senior Chinese leader we've had on our shores in almost a decade.

But this visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang comes at an interesting time for China. President Xi Jingping is contending with economic stumbles and looming sanctions, making his vision for the future more precarious than ever.

So what is going on inside Xi's inner circle? And what message will Xi’s close political ally bring with him when he lands in Australia?

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Richard McGregor, on the rumours that are swirling about China’s leadership and what they reveal about Xi’s grip on power.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper and senior fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute, Richard McGregor