The most powerful movers and shakers in China's ruling Communist Party are gathering this week to discuss ways to improve the country's socialist system and governance.<br />Ongoing issues such as Beijing's trade war with Washington and the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong are likely to be high on the agenda.<br />Oh Jung-hee reports.<br />With various challenges at home and abroad sluggish economic growth, an ongoing trade war with the U.S., and anti-government protests in Hong Kong, leaders of China's ruling Communist Party are gathering this week to discuss the way forward.<br />Over 300 members of the party's Central Committee will be gathering behind closed doors to discuss "strengthening China's socialist system and governance" from Monday to Thursday.<br />It's the first meeting in 20 months the longest interval between two plenary sessions in recent decades.<br />The meeting comes at a critical time when China faces several crises.<br />In its handling the Hong Kong demonstrations, China has faced criticisms over its violence and for trampling the rights and liberties of the people of Hong Kong.<br />At the same time, Beijing's economy is growing at its slowest pace in nearly three decades, partially affected by a protracted trade war with Washington.<br />Experts say, it's key for Beijing to use the occasion to add political legitimacy to the party's rule.<br />Though these issues aren't likely to be included in the final communique, they are highly likely to be touched upon.<br />China ruling party is also expected to seek ways to strengthen its leadership at various levels of society, possibly rolling out reform plans.<br />At the third plenary sessions held in spring last year, the party laid out comprehensive institutional reforms, merging a number of state institutions and bringing them under the party's direct control.<br />The results of the meeting won't be known until China's official Xinhua News Agency releases the details on Thursday.<br />Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.<br />
