Professor of Government Cheng Li was quoted by Agence France Presse in an article, "China's Parliament Readies for Change of Guard Amid Heavy Security," about the upcoming China's National People's Congress (NPC) meeting.
The NPC's Wednesday meeting will mark the second stage of power transitions among Chinese leaders. Hu Jintao, who received the party general secretary position from Jiang during last November's Party Congress meeting, will undoubtedly become the state president during this week's meeting. Other important positions are also expected to change hands -- Wen Jiabao and Wu Banggou, two new party politburo members since last November, will certainly be made into the next prime minister and chairmen of NPC.
It is believed that the next NPC will push for a greater market economy in China. It will most likely adapt new laws for private property, venture capital investment and corporate bankruptcy. Nevertheless, NPC will still continue to play a minor role in China's reforms in the 21st century. Wu, who is expected to be the next NPC chairman, will not be able to change the NPC's role either. "(Expanding the NPC's influence) depends on his (Wu) relationship with Hu and Zeng (Qinghong)," said Li, "These two, not Wu, will determine the way in which China's political reform should develop."
