From Forbes.com:
Managing the social effects of uneven economic development will test President Hu Jintao as he consolidates his power in 2005, but political stability is not under immediate threat.
China’s integration into the international political community will continue as it becomes more enmeshed with the global economy. Such interdependence will limit the scope of foreign policy, but despite this, Beijing will become more confident in expressing objectives abroad in 2005, bringing a limited increase in bilateral friction with Washington.