In seeking to understand Chinese-style modernization, one should note its evolution in both theory and practice. It presents developing nations with a meaningful reference to draw upon, rather than a rigid template.

“Upper echelon strategists,” a term coined in some quarters of the Chinese political establishment, support Xi Jinping by playing an increasingly key role in China’s strategic thinking, ideological discourse, and propaganda work. And as some top scholar-officials move to the center stage in propaganda and ideological work during Xi’s third term, one can expect that “upper echelon strategists” like them will gain more influence in the years to come.

Chinese think tanks have far-reaching influence – their scholars serve as researchers and disseminators of state-approved information, and their leaders are also assuming positions of power in the Party. Xi Jinping has relied on think tanks more than his predecessors, and they deserve a closer look.

A significant portion of senior officers of the People’s Liberation Army has been trained in Russia. As the relationship between China and U.S.-led NATO countries continues to deteriorate, an examination of Russian-educated military elites within the Chinese leadership is critically important.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has predictably become this year’s dominant international story. In the West, China has often been cast alongside Russia as the world’s villain-in-waiting - and this deserves a deep dive into the relationship between two nations seemingly sharing the hot seat on the global stage.

China’s political leadership has a significant amount of Western-educated policy makers, the result of four decades of meaningful educational exchange. Despite the recent decline in exchange, an assessment of China’s upcoming leadership lineup shows this trend will likely continue.

The representation of high-level university administrators in China’s Central Committee has significantly increased during the Xi era, signaling Beijing’s desire to bolster technological innovation and scientific research in the country.

China’s highly-trained, well-educated technicians and professionals have helped bolster the country’s economy in the 21st Century. It’s no surprise that a number of them are well represented in the Party Congress, and should see their numbers grow this fall when promotions are doled out.

A significant number of China’s military leaders are equipped with substantial aviation and aerospace expertise, a trend that will likely persist into President Xi’s third term.

The looming possibility of military confrontation over the Taiwan Strait has been making headlines as of late. Chinese leaders consider these scenarios constantly, and their recent efforts to promote military-civil fusion show what they are doing to prepare for a crisis.