Key event on the horizon

In spite of the Communist Party of China spokespeople's latest refusal to give an exact date for the upcoming 18th CPC National Congress, the publication of the names of the 2,270 delegates who will attend the all-important event means that day cannot be far away.

It will not be immediate, given the procedural requirement that the roster of names undergo a final round of review and approval by a special panel.

However, for an event burdened with so much attention and expectation, both at home and abroad, the day on which it opens is far less important than what it produces.