If government power cannot be effectively restrained and supervised, the decisive role of the market in resource distribution will be undermined, writes Yi Xianrong.

Through an analysis of the Third Plenum communiqué, Zhang Monan argues that China has entered a new stage of development, and a second round of economic reform will promote growth in the decade to come.

China’s new leadership anticipates that entering Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations would trigger a new round of domestic reforms. Niu Tiehang elaborates on the new roadmap for Chinese reforms and the “outside-in” effects the TPP talks and the establishment of Shanghai FTZ would have on China.

Zhang Jun examines the factors affecting China’s potential rate of GDP growth.

Zhang Monan on the objectives of the Shanghai free-trade zone.

The success of the Canada-EU Trade Agreement has allowed Canada to refocus its priorities on the US-led Trans-pacific Partnership trade talks and potentially paves the way for a larger free trade deal in the future. Hugh Stephens posits that as trade negotiations continue, Canada will position itself to take a stronger foothold in Asia.

While China’s investments abroad were vastly state-led, private firms are increasingly looking to the United States for expansion. As Dan Redford points out, high profile purchases by Chinese firms are just the beginning of a new trend of private investment from China.

As free trade agreements flourish around the globe, He Weiwen examines the developments between the China-ASEAN FTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership noting that while the US and China have been left out of each negotiation respectively, it does not mean the countries are competing directly against each other.

After nearly $1.5 million worth of elephant tusks were seized by customs agents in Hong Kong, international attention has turned to the illegal ivory and rhino horn trade in Africa – fuelled by Chinese demand.

As the 3rd Plenary of the 18th CPC Central Committee approaches, people have high expectations for financial system reform. The focus will be enhancing the efficiency of resource allocation through finance, and supporting a real economy, writes Zhang Monan.