The recent Bo Xilai affair has created strains in the Chinese political system
and has intensified the power struggle concerning the new leadership
appointments due to take place at the 18th Party Congress. The pressure on
the political system is intensified by a number of social phenomena such as
increased fragmentation, vested interests, corruption, social unrest, increased
income and social inequalities and a de facto reform stop since 2009. Some
scholars believe that we now see the end of ‘resilient authoritarianism’ and
that China either will experience a political and social collapse or move
towards a democratic system. However, developments since 1989 show the
regime’s amazing ability to revitalize its organizational capabilities and regain
its Mandate of Heaven. It may be too early to declare the Party over
