CHINA US Focus - Perspectives shaping the world's most important bilateral relationship

China’s leadership transition is formally complete with the conclusion of the 12th National People’s Congress. Providing analysis on China’s new leaders, Minxin Pei writes that while economic and political reforms remain far-off in China’s future, the new leadership can convince the public they are committed to reforms at the inaugural meeting of the new Central Committee in the fall.

March sees the return of spring, the best season, as the Chinese believe, to begin the work for a year. China’s Two Sessions now under way, however, differ from the previous ones in several senses.

China’s incoming government chiefs face huge tasks, amid deepening debate over China’s future. Internal challenges will dominate the Beijing agenda, but China’s new leaders and the Obama team must refocus on dealing with darkening trends in US-China relations.

Chinese citizens’ desire for better protection of their fundamental rights is stronger than ever. We must abandon the reeducation system to fulfill the pledges of Constitution, respect and protect human rights, and ensure individual freedoms.

For Wen Jiabao this National People’s Congress (NPC) will be the beginning of the end of his political career. Not only will the premier deliver an economic agenda for his final year in office, it will also be an occasion to assess the national pulse and begin crafting his legacy. It’s not difficult to imagine [...]