Liu Changsong is a lawyer with Jierui Law Firm in Beijing and a commentator on legal affairs.

Wu Jianmin is vice-chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy.

Mei Xinyu is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce. 

Shen Dingli is the Associate Dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies. 

Heiko Khoo is a radio producer specialising in documenting public opinion. He is also a columnist, video producer, historian and a well known public speaker in London. 

John Ross is Senior Fellow of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. 

Tim Collard spent 10 years in China, serving as a trade and investment adviser and a political analyst in the UK Diplomatic Service. 

Eugene Clark is Distinguished Professor, China University of Political Science and Emeritus Professor, University of Canberra. 

Di Dongsheng is vice director at the Research Center for China's Foreign Strategy Studies, Renmin University of China. 

Petition and judicial reform to proceed simultaneously

The problem with the petition system is not the system itself, but the executive process. Hence, reform of the petition system must proceed simultaneously with reform of the judicial system to ensure judicial relief becomes a reliable way of solving disputes. In this way, the problem of excessive petitions can be solved. >>

China promises a more open economy

China's economy will be more open in the new era because opening-up can enable us to better learn from world civilization, better integrate with the world and better solve all kinds of conundrums facing us. >> 

 A waiting world

The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, as expected, attracted much domestic and global attention upon its conclusion on November 12. On the release of the official communiqué, one of the major questions being asked by media and analysts is what the session means to the world economy. >> 

National security is vital to China's modernization

The decision to establish a national security committee as reached by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee is an important milestone in the country's drive towards modernization. >> 

After the Third Plenum - A look into the future

The Third Plenary Session of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee reiterated that China remains "at the primary stage of socialism." The fundamental economic principle remains unswerving adherence to the dominant role of public ownership in the economy. However, markets are to be allotted "a decisive role" in the allocation of goods and resources. >> 

 3rd Plenum sets clear economic course

The key economic decisions at the recently concluded Third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee are clear. "Marketization" has been emphasized - previous party documents talked of the market playing a "basic" role while the new formula is markets should play a "decisive" role.  >>

 Third Plenum: A clear broad picture  but  low on specifics

In the Chinese political cycle, the Third Plenary Session of the CPC Central Committee is probably the most significant event for China-watchers. It is at this point in the cycle that the political and economic program is announced. It was at this point thirty-five years ago that Deng Xiaoping astonished the world by announcing the change of course which gave rise to the reform and opening up policy, whose success was to astonish the world even more. >>

 Future development steps outlined at the Third Plenum

While it is true that the world today is much more inter-connected and global economies are increasingly intertwined, it is a mistake to assume that the path to economic prosperity and general development is the same for every country. >>

   Balance in running a state

As an ancient Chinese proverb goes, "Governing a big country is as delicate as frying a small fish."  As the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC) draws near, various forecasts have been made. However, it is not worthwhile to speculate about specific potential reform policies; we should focus instead on the leadership's thinking. This can help us understand China's political, social and economic growth over the next decade. >>