Whither China?

The 18th National Congress of the Com- munist Party of China (CPC), which took place on 8 to 14 November 2012, drew the attention of China scholars and foreign governments for multiple reasons. During the 18th Congress, CPC’s model of peaceful leadership transition was under test as the very first generation of leaders who came to power positions through a predetermined regulated script was set to retire after handing over the torch to the new leadership. Apart from this, the growing societal discontent, regularity in eruption of violent incidents in Tibet and Xinjiang, world financial crisis and China’s growing tensions with Japan and other neighbours were some of the important issues which formed the background to the 18th National Congress.