I am witnessing history. I watched the new senior leaders of China, the members of the new Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, walk out on stage, ending months, years, of speculation and rumor. Because everything in China reports to a standing committee member, and because of the Party’s principle of collective leadership, their personalities, composition and balance determine the vision, strategies and policies that shape China. The seven members of the Standing Committee are a highly competent, experienced group: six have run provinces or major municipalities. (Personally, over the years, I’ve met with five.) Traditional norms of age and balance are respected. It’s a diverse group – by geography, education, career, political affiliations within the Party. Yet, this time, following the 19th CPC National Congress, the relative importance of the Standing Committee is a little different.

It is hard to overstate the significance of Xi Jinping’s name now written into, enshrined in, the CPC Constitution: “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”. Xi is now, officially, the designator and overarching arbiter of political thought, a singular position superior to all other standing committee members. The increasing role of the Party in leading all aspects of the country and society is unequivocal, and the increasingly strict governance of the Party, by reforming and purifying itself, is unambiguous. Moreover, the anti-corruption campaign, not only continues, but will be enhanced. Strengthening and institutionalizing rule of law is stressed. The goal is to transform China’s legal system, both theoretical foundations and practical enforcement.

About China’s international relations, there is no need to speculate. Xi Jinping himself, in his political report, openly states that China has become “a great power in the world” and moving closer toward “center stage in the world” — stressing “China is contributing to all humankind.” In fact, the increasing living standards of the Chinese people enhance world stability and economic growth. Xi is now offering “Chinese wisdom” and “Chinese solutions” to the global community — the experiences and lessons of China’s remarkable development, especially for developing countries. I marvel at China’s transformation: 60 years ago, China tried to export revolution; today, China facilitated modernization. Reflecting on the 19th CPC National Congress, especially on Xi's political report, it is an epic narrative of what China has accomplished, what China has yet to achieve, and what China envisages as necessary to be a great nation. The world is watching. So were we at … Closer to China.