Xinhua on August 3 indicated that the secretive annual conclave of China's senior veteran leaders had commenced at the seaside resort. It disclosed that CCP CC Politburo member Chen Xi, Head of the CCP CC Organisation Department and and Vice Premier Sun Chunlan met "experts in Beidaihe, as well as all other experts in various fields across the country."

(Comment: There is speculation that 92-year old former Chinese President Jiang Zemin might attend the conclave.)