China 20th Party Congress

Unpacking the institution of the National Party Congress – its essential concepts and some common misunderstandings.

The 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party will set the tone for China's next five years -- almost certainly under Xi Jinping's leadership yet again.

From key personnel appointments to a surge in loyalty displays, all signs point to China’s leader continuing in power.

A lesson from 1956 continues to affect China’s understanding of political security -- especially as the CCP's own 20th Congress draws near.

Answering that requires first answering another question: How much sway will previous norms hold in Chinese politics in 2022?

Certain to remain on the Politburo, Ding’s quest to reach the Standing Committee will depend on the results of political infighting between rival cliques.  

Insights from Trey McArver.

A year into the job as director of the top party-affiliated think tank, Jiang Jinquan is appearing more frequently to boldly champion Xi’s positions on ideology, party governance and unity.

Without any strong contender emerging to replace Yang Jiechi, the next director of the Office of Foreign Affairs could be cut from the Politburo, opening a slot for a different party position.

Han Jun’s elevation to Jilin governor puts this rural policy careerist in strong contention for one of four State Council vice premier positions in 2022.

Chen Gang will likely enter the Politburo in 2027. His experience governing technoindustrial clusters will be a valuable skill set for top governance positions through the 2020s.

Shen Yiqin, a party history expert and representative of the emerging Guizhou faction, is the leading female candidate for Politburo promotion in 2022.