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The world has been watching with interest the recent 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China because it will bring in a new generation of leaders who will likely rule the world's second largest economy, the most populous country, and the largest authoritarian state for the next 10 years. Professors Wenfang Tang and Brian Lai will discuss the leadership transition in China and its significance for US-China relations. Wenfang Tang is the Stanley Hua Hsia Professor of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Iowa. His current research focuses on public opinion and political change in contemporary China, as well as comparative political behavior. He has authored and coauthored several books published by Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Stanford University Press, and many articles in academic journals including American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Public Policy, China Quarterly, and Journal of Contemporary China, among others. Brian Lai, also from the University of Iowa's Political Science Department, is an Associate Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies. His areas of emphasis are International Relations, American Foreign Policy, Terrorism, and Conflict Processes. He has contributed articles to academic journals including, Conflict Management and Peace Science, American Journal of Political Science, and Journal of Conflict Resolution. More information on the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council can be found here.