In China, an Informal Conference Gains Importance

The 18th National Conference of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which convenes sometime in the second half of 2012, will draw the world's attention as the Party makes a host of key arrangements for the country's future leadership. In the meantime, Party officials are planning a series of meetings to prepare for the main event. The Bo Xilai saga made the CPC's political infighting more visible than ever, and Beijing needs the conference to run smoothly even though it is largely symbolic. Meetings held beforehand to make arrangements and take care of preparatory work are crucial to the CPC and to others interested in gauging the political elites' priorities. The Beidaihe conference is one such meeting.

Despite its low public visibility, the informal Beidaihe conference is one of the most important meetings for observers of Chinese politics aiming to assess the country's political environment and upcoming political appointments. The Beidaihe conference has grown less prominent in the past decade due in part to China's evolving political leadership and more institutionalized personnel selection process. However, since the Bo scandal and the resulting struggles within the Party could have increased the need for backroom compromises and debates, the upcoming Beidaihe conference may be an important venue this year for the CPC elite to deliberate personnel arrangements.