The Communist Party of China (CPC), the country’s ruling party since the end of the civil war in 1949, will begin its once-every-five-year National Congress on Oct. 18, at which time a new slate of party leaders will be elected. In the major party reshuffle, some officials will stay in their posts; others will be elevated; and some will retire. The nation will closely watch, as the new mixture of leadership will help shape China’s future political and economic landscapes.