Most Chinese people recognize that China should take more international responsibilities in proportion to its rapid development, and they are eager to see their homeland gain stronger international standing as a “responsible great power.” However, in reality, they are not prepared for the implications of world governance; among them, the fact that China must make sacrifices and compromises and follow ideas that might contradict the propaganda and education that they have long accepted.

He Weiwen writes that the 3rd Plenary Session has provided a broad blueprint for China’s reforms and development for the next few years and will have profound implications for China and the world.

As China has distanced itself from Syria in the last eighteen months. Joel Wuthnow believes that arguments that China is hedging its bets on Assad may be premature.

Li Shaoxian weighs the risks and potential consequences of a US military strike on Syria, concluding that once there is military intervention the hope for reconciliation will become slimmer.

China is highly concerned about the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, and supports the UN Secretariat in carrying out an independent, objective, impartial and professional investigation, writes Wu Sike.

How can China and the United States make progress on cybersecurity? Graham Webster explains that until competing views of the Internet – as a source of freedom-promotion in the U.S. and a sovereign autonomy in China are understood – neither side will see real progress on cybersecurity.

To facilitate its drive to upgrade the national economy, China needs to renew its national economy accounting system according to the new international standard, says Zhang Monan.

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.

In order to achieve sustainable, equitable, and innovative GDP growth, China needs a new, more sophisticated growth model – more like a “growth order.” With a more inclusive, long-term approach that emphasizes strong institutions and eliminates perverse incentives, China's leaders can foster a more balanced economy and society.