In the United States, Bo Xilai’s “trial of the century” was reported as a spicy cocktail of sex, power and violence. The real story is about rapid economic development, generational change in politics, and the progress of the rule of law in China.

The recent five-day trial of Bo Xilai has impressed the public for its fairness and transparency, Pro.Tong Zhiwei calls for China to take the opportunity to institutionalize the practices of public trial of cases and sublimate them into a rule governing the hearing of all cases by courts at all levels.

Many China watchers have remarked with hope about the degree of transparency in Bo Xilai’s trial under China's relatively new leadership. In this article, however, Steven Hill calls for greater governance and rule of law.

Since China’s opening, the country has developed at an unprecedented pace. However, despite the Middle Kingdom’s rapid growth, the country still has to overcome many obstacles.

China's new leadership has been hard-pressed to show a diligent crackdown on corruption and graft, and with the trial of former Communist Party chief of Chongqing Bo Xilai coming to an end many question whether this scandal will lead to reforms and address the social divisions exposed by his downfall.

Publics around the world see the global balance of power shifting, writes Bruce Stokes. Most recognize China's rising economic power. Many think Beijing will eventually supplant Washington as the world's dominant superpower.

Chinese people have a profound emotional bond to their land, culture, and sense of identity. The Chinese dream of its regenerated status is a powerful one, and Chinese politicians would be fools not to appeal to it, writes Kerry Brown

Considering the lack of progress toward implementing financial reforms, many analysts question whether China’s leaders have the economy under control. As China’s leaders prepare for their annual summer meeting, Yao Yang urges the adoption of a bold plan for structural reform.

With the Bo Xilai trial commencing this week, Chen Qun writes that corruption has become the primary evil that the government must tackle, as it has stood in the way of reform and opening-up and has become a mortal malady afflicting the popularity of the government and the Party.

The current prosecution of Bo Xilai clearly shows that the judicial system in China is moving out of political intervention and toward greater independence, more considerations to the person and greater fairness, writes Qin Xiaoying.