China’s ideology of global governance shows much continuity between the pre- and post-2008–9 periods. Authoritative Chinese views all generally indicate that China’s proposed changes to the existing international order—such as reforms to correct “unjust” arrangements, strengthen the influence of developing countries, expand the idea of state sovereignty into new areas of state behaviors, and buttress the equality of sovereignty—are adjustments only, not radical acts departing from it.
In the January 16, 2016, Taiwan presidential and legislative elections, the Democratic Progressive Party inflicted a devastating defeat on the incumbent Kuomintang.
The most noticeable trend under the leadership of Xi Jinping since the 2012 National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been the continuing consolidation of power. In particular, the military has been a key arena in which Xi has strengthened both his personal power and his new administration’s authority.
Analysis of appointments to the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party shows that over the past two decades three simple rules have been followed.
