GUANGZHOU Mayor Mr Li Ziliu has indicated that he prefers to stay in Guangdong during his remaining political career.
Speaking at the Guangdong People's Congress yesterday, Mr Li, a noted reformer, declined to confirm reports that he would be transferred to another open city or province.
Guangzhou sources said Mr Li had been asked to become the head of a city in northern China, possibly Tianjin, but the mayor had turned down the offer.
''I am a Guangdong native, and naturally I would like to stay in Guangdong,'' said Mr Li, who came to his present position in 1990.
''But as a state cadre, I will obey the arrangements of the Government.
''As for the reports that I will be transferred to Tianjin, I can only say it is pure speculation,'' he said.
Asked if he would stay at the current post for another year, Mr Li said that would depend on whether he would be re-elected at the forthcoming Guangzhou Municipal People's Congress.
