Party Congress

(From left to right) Newly-elected Chinese state councilor Qin Gang, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council Wu Zhenglong, state councilor Li Shangfu, China's Vice Premiers Zhang Guoqing, Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Liu Guozhong, Chinese state councilors Wang Xiaohong and Shen Yiqin swear an oath after they were elected during the fifth plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 12 March 2023. (Noel Celis/AFP)

China’s new State Council and the president’s men

Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at the new Chinese government installed over the weekend, noting the gradual weakening of power of the State Council, just as many of President Xi’s close aides are appointed to the executive body. What might this mean for China’s leadership in the future?
A woman walks past a billboard showing Chinese President Xi Jinping with a slogan which reads "Remain true to our original aspiration and keep our mission firmly in mind" in Beijing on 28 February 2023. (Jade Gao/AFP)

Possible reforms to security agencies expose CCP's anxiety over external and internal risks

The 20th Party Congress set the direction for the Chinese Communist Party, but it is the upcoming Two Sessions that measures will be discussed and put into action. The highlight is the likely reforms to national security agencies, as well as finance and other sectors.
A woman takes a picture next a tree decorated with paper lanterns at the entrance of a park in Beijing, China, on 26 January 2023. (Wang Zhao/AFP)

What is China’s 'new era'? [Part 1]

EAI senior research fellow Lance Gore explains why the sudden reversal of globalisation, constant turbulence due to global developments and the fragmentation of international relations are some very real coordinates of China’s "new era". In response, apt and concrete policies along the socialism axis can be devised to meet the challenges.
People hold a flag of the Communist Party of China at the Beijing Exhibition Center ahead of the 20th Party Congress meeting in Beijing, China, on 12 October 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP)

Xi Jinping set on realising China dream after 20th Party Congress

Economics professor and keen China watcher Tan Kong Yam analyses the outcomes of the 20th Party Congress, answering key questions on Beijing’s attitudes towards national rejuvenation, Taiwan, the private sector, leadership renewal and political stars to watch in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s third term.
Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok, Thailand, 19 November 2022. Xi is being framed as a political leader who develops Marxism according to the changing times based on Maoism. (Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters)

Connecting past, present and future: Xi Jinping’s logic of governance and legitimacy in his third term

Japanese academic Naoko Eto scrutinises changes to the Chinese Communist Party’s constitution and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th Party Congress for signs of Xi’s likely governing tenets in his third term.
Chinese President Xi Jinping gestures after the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) during the APEC 2022 in Bangkok, Thailand, 18 November 2022. (Rungroj Yongrit/Pool via Reuters)

The Real Xi: Reflections on the 20th Party Congress

Vienna-based Li Ling observes that while it seems that Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed all obstacles to his rule, actually the outcomes of the 20th Party Congress has shown another side of him: a level-headed and even disciplined man who can act in a measured and controlled fashion. Being able to show restraint while holding on to great power will be a delicate balance that one has to strike in Xi’s “new era”.
In this file photo taken on 19 October 1992, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Jiang Zemin applauds in Beijing during a press unveiling to introduce new members to the standing committee of the poliburo. (Mike Fiala/AFP)

Jiang Zemin who deepened China's reform and opening up dies at age 96

Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan presents the life and achievements of Jiang Zemin, following his passing at the age of 96. While he was seen as not having enough heft on his own when he first began as CCP general secretary, he had chalked up various achievements by the end of his tenure and graceful exit.
People walk along a main shopping area during the Alibaba's Singles' Day shopping festival in Shanghai, China, 11 November 2021. (Aly Song/Reuters)

China’s economic outlook is not bleak

China’s 20th Party Congress signalled that the government is focused on dual circulation, in particular domestic circulation. However, that does not mean that China has the intention for implementing a closed-door policy. In fact, a healthy domestic circulation will boost China's ecosystem for innovation and growth and help China further open up.
New Politburo Standing Committee members Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi arrive to meet the media following the 20th Party Congress of the Communist Party of China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 23 October 2022. (Tingshu Wang/Reuters)

Unlike Taiwan, mainland China lacks top women leaders

Taiwanese academic Chang-Ling Huang explains the importance of gender quota laws in pushing forward women’s representation in politics, observing that while China and Japan have had poor women political representation, Taiwan has managed to be a bright spot in East Asia.