Political Reform in China

Rice University's James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy will host a panel discussion about political reform in China.

What lies ahead for China’s economy and political reforms? Later this month, the Chinese Communist Party will have its final plenary session of the Central Committee, a critical meeting in preparation for the 19th Party Congress in fall 2017, in which most of the Politburo is expected to retire and Party General Secretary Xi Jinping is expected to reveal his plan for China's political future. Will Xi follow tradition of the last 30 years and pick a successor who will replace him in 2022, or will he use the party meetings this year and next to change the constitution and solidify his leadership in the style of Vladimir Putin? At the same time, China is facing an economic slowdown, leading some to wonder if Communist Party leaders will scale down their anti-corruption campaign in order to focus on stimulating economic development. A panel of four experts will discuss these issues and examine the current state of reforms in China. A reception will follow the panel discussion. The event is sponsored by the Baker Institute China Studies Program and International Economics Program, in conjunction with the Chao Center for Asian Studies at Rice University. Join the conversation online with #BakerChina.