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  "authors": [
    "Douglas H. Paal"
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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
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Source: Getty

In The Media

The 12th National People's Congress: New Leaders, New Policies, New Priorities

China watchers are looking at the new generation of leaders to assess their policy leanings and appetite for political and economic reform.

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By Douglas H. Paal
Published on Apr 4, 2013
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Asia

The Asia Program in Washington studies disruptive security, governance, and technological risks that threaten peace, growth, and opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region, including a focus on China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula.

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Source: China Forum

China Forum held a discussion with Carnegie's Douglas Paal and Professor Bruce Dickson of George Washington University on the 12th National People's Congress and what it means for China's future: new leaders, new policies, and new priorities for China's government.

The Chinese government faces significant challenges in redirecting the economy, sustaining growth, and addressing social, demographic, environmental, and energy challenges, Paal said. China watchers are looking at new government figures, such as Premier Li Keqiang and Vice President Li Yuanchao, to assess their possible commitment to political and economic reforms. Institutions like the family planning commission and the household registry system may be pegged for reform, while China’s foreign policy is more likely to reflect the status quo, Paal and Dickson agreed.

About the Author

Douglas H. Paal

Distinguished Fellow, Asia Program

Paal previously served as vice chairman of JPMorgan Chase International and as unofficial U.S. representative to Taiwan as director of the American Institute in Taiwan.

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Douglas H. Paal
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Douglas H. Paal
Political ReformEconomyForeign PolicyEast AsiaChina

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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