Racial and ethnic tensions loom larger in the world today than the power or policies to reconcile them. China has a long way to go in that regard. Given the absence or scarcity of public discourse on these challenges domestically and strong criticism from abroad –– especially from the United States and European countries –– of the treatment of Uygurs in Xinjiang, Beijing has been on the defensive as it faces ongoing international scrutiny and sanctions.

Preference towards hometown representatives is nothing new in Chinese politics. A deep dive into the history of power distribution among candidates who share local origins can give us a look at what’s to come in the next Party Congress.

The rise of aerospace business executives in Chinese political leadership, coined “the cosmos club,” is unprecedented. And several of these leaders may be strong contenders for the Politburo at the 20th Party Congress this fall.

Potential CCP leaders coming from China’s aerospace sector should add a pragmatic perspective to Beijing’s decision-making cadre, but their extensive engagement in technological issues and the military-industrial complex throughout their careers may come at the expense of their focus on other challenges, both at home and aboard.

As China further develops its aviation and space industries, China has become more willing to play hardball on the world stage and take advantage of commercial interests, much to the consternation of the United States.

The looming possibility of military confrontation over the Taiwan Strait has been making headlines as of late. Chinese leaders consider these scenarios constantly, and their recent efforts to promote military-civil fusion show what they are doing to prepare for a crisis.

A significant number of China’s military leaders are equipped with substantial aviation and aerospace expertise, a trend that will likely persist into President Xi’s third term.

China’s highly-trained, well-educated technicians and professionals have helped bolster the country’s economy in the 21st Century. It’s no surprise that a number of them are well represented in the Party Congress, and should see their numbers grow this fall when promotions are doled out.

The representation of high-level university administrators in China’s Central Committee has significantly increased during the Xi era, signaling Beijing’s desire to bolster technological innovation and scientific research in the country.

China’s political leadership has a significant amount of Western-educated policy makers, the result of four decades of meaningful educational exchange. Despite the recent decline in exchange, an assessment of China’s upcoming leadership lineup shows this trend will likely continue.