China's ruling Communist Party holds plenary session to discuss strengthening governance

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.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.Oh Jung-hee reports.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.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.It's the first meeting in 20 months the longest interval between two plenary sessions in recent decades.The meeting comes at a critical time when China faces several crises.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.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.Experts say, it's key for Beijing to use the occasion to add political legitimacy to the party's rule.Though these issues aren't likely to be included in the final communique, they are highly likely to be touched upon.China ruling party is also expected to seek ways to strengthen its leadership at various levels of society, possibly rolling out reform plans.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.The results of the meeting won't be known until China's official Xinhua News Agency releases the details on Thursday.Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.