Democracy in progress

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded its annual plenary session yesterday in Beijing, having passed decisions on "key issues" to strengthen the Party's self-buildup.

Specific solutions have yet to be publicly revealed on issues that the CPC central leadership recommends to all its local branches and approximately 76 million members. Yet, according to the Party's normal way of handling issues, solutions on matters of "grave importance" will be significant to the general society, and if pursued seriously, will leave a lasting legacy.

Judging from opinions aired by China's leading experts prior to the plenary session, anything to strengthen the Party's organizational buildup will have to depend on the active role of grassroots Party members.