In the wake of President Xi and Premier Li’s visits to Southeast Asia, China not only underscored its diplomatic commitment to the region but also elevated its partnerships with neighboring countries to more strategic ones. Zhai Kun examines in which ways the new Chinese leadership “upgraded” the China-ASEAN relations.

Zhang Monan writes that China’s new round of reform will bring dividends generated by activated domestic consumption, institutional reform and a new round of globalization.

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.

Everyone is talking about China’s economic slowdown, writes Zhang Jun. But, as Premier Li Keqiang seems to recognize, this trend could actually be beneficial, spurring the structural reforms that China needs.

In his first trip abroad, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited India to downplay tensions over a recent border dispute and focus on bridging economic ties between the two countries. As Brahma Chellaney explains, India has a long way to go toward advancing its own strategic interests and taking an assertive role in regional politics.

There is no doubt that devastating disasters like the Wenchuan and Ya’an earthquakes are destructive, yet they also serve as a bond for the nation to unite over, writes Xiong Lei.

What has emerged from the 2013 National People’s Congress was far different in tone from the usual emphasis on the growth imperative, writes Damien Ma.

With the end of the National People’s Congress, Dan Steinbock writes that China should expect economic and financial reforms, international recalibration, and gradual political transition. Xi jinping and Li Keqiang must also balance regional interests to fulfill the “Chinese Dream.”

Niu Yi writes that China’s economy in 2013 will be guided by the quality and efficiency of economic reform, and that a new model of urbanization will provide the largest potential for promoting domestic spending.