In the 1990s, China had no choice in its quest to modernize its military but to import entire weapons systems. And the imports have continued. But total reliance on imports is not a solution, especially for a military that prides itself on self-reliance. As an... MORE

The likely exit of the CCP General Secretary Jiang Zemin at this 16th Party Congress will mark the first paramount Chinese leader in PRC history to leave his post without top-level internal political turmoil. His "Three Represents"--self-proclaimed to be the grand theoretical paradigm that would... MORE

Whether private businessmen will get due recognition at the 16th Communist Party Congress has become a litmus test of the leadership's commitment to both economic and political reform. Latest indications are that while President Jiang Zemin will formalize the rights of "red capitalists" to be... MORE

Summits are a good time to plumb the depths of hypocrisy and pierce the verbal smoke and mirrors in international discourse. The recent exchange at the Crawford ranch between Presidents George W. Bush and Jiang Zemin vibrated with mutual compliments and assurances of good will.... MORE

It is too soon to assert that Hong Kong's freedoms, ostensibly guaranteed in the handover from British to Chinese sovereignty, are under sustained attack. But it is not too soon to assert that Hong Kong faces nine months of potentially divisive debate and risks a... MORE

By Willy Wo-Lap Lam One of China's many ironies is that most of the prospects for political reform may well hinge on one of the least popular cadres of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): alternate Politburo member and Head of the Organization Department, Zeng Qinghong.... MORE

By Shaomin Li The lure of 1.3 billion consumers is irresistible: Foreign investments flock to China in large volumes. But entering China's market can be highly risky, thanks to rampant corruption, fraud and violations of property rights--either by private citizens or by the state. An... MORE

By Thomas Woodrow Although current Chinese relations with Saudi Arabia are largely linked to Beijing's quickly growing appetite for imported energy resources, China's long-term goal may be to replace the United States as the Persian Gulf's security guarantor. Beijing is rapidly becoming a major player... MORE

Despite China's claim of having an independent legal system, its leaders often exploit legal procedures, making them into proxy battles in their struggle for power. One such example is the handling of the Zhu Xiaohua corruption case, in which Zhu was sentenced to fifteen years... MORE

By Willy Wo-Lap Lam Zhu Rongji has a habit of saying intriguing things when he is abroad. And when cadres who do not see eye to eye with him, including President Jiang Zemin, are not around. While visiting Paris late last month, the veteran premier... MORE