Publication

This analysis argues that factional politics continue to define China's leadership transitions. The legitimacy of these factional politics in the Chinese system is an important issue for China's domestic and international behavior. The authors argue that the two major groups in the fray, led by Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, have positioned themselves to maximize their immediate and future interests. However, internal rivalries may undermine China's image at home and on the world stage. In concluding, the paper argues that China should fundamentally reform its political processes.