ASSESSMENTS

In China, a Party Congress for the Ages

Jul 19, 2017 | 20:28 GMT

The leadership transition comes at a unique moment in China's modern history, when the country itself is undergoing a radical transformation.

(TEH ENG KOON/AFP/Getty Images)

Forecast Highlights

The approaching 19th Party Congress will serve as an important indicator of whether Chinese President Xi Jinping will be able to continue consolidating power.
Though necessary for pushing through sweeping reforms, an extensive reshuffle among the country's political elite could bring greater uncertainty to a nation already experiencing dramatic change.
Should Xi's political standing falter in the event of instability, the resilience of the party system he has built around himself could weaken, undermining the very goals it was designed to achieve.

In a few months, China's leaders will meet in Beijing for one of the biggest and most politically charged events of the year: The 19th Party Congress. At the summit, which takes place every five years, the Chinese Communist Party will assess its performance since the previous conference and set goals for the country's political, economic and diplomatic future. But perhaps most important, the party will select nearly 200 senior figures -- including some members of the small but all-important Standing Committee -- who will be responsible for guiding the country over the next decade....

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