China’s 19th Party Congress: Implications for China and the United States

No sitting Chinese leader since Mao Zedong has arrogated as much power to himself as the current Communist Party Secretary, Xi Jinping. The 19th Party Congress, which convenes on October 18 and runs for one week, will offer important measures of what Xi intends to do during his second five-year term and whether he plans to extend his power beyond the traditional ten-year limit. Xi’s policy priorities will be a major determinant of Sino-U.S. relations and of the fate of international liberal norms as the two great powers compete for global influence. The Kissinger Institute’s review of the 19th Party Congress examines how a Risen China is likely to manage its domestic and foreign affairs over the next five years and beyond.