A Paradigm Shift in Chinese Leadership Selection

The selection process for public officials in China's Fujian province, where 17 new leaders assumed office in early January, exemplifies a new system for selecting mid- to high-level officials nationwide. As opposed to the traditional process of appointing government leaders behind closed doors, the new system allows open competition by a greater number of qualified candidates, public input and final selection based on merit rather than personal connections. Off to a quick start in 2010, the process of public selection will be carefully managed by Beijing as the process continues in 2011 and beyond.