Having risen from isolation and poverty just decades ago to become a technological and manufacturing superpower, China is now the world's second-largest economy, its exports filling global shipping lanes. However, the challenges confronting leaders are considerable, with a rapidly ageing population, sluggish household spending and heightened trade frictions with the United States and its allies weighing down growth. This week's "fourth plenum" of the Central Committee -- focused on formulating the party's next five-year plan and scheduled to conclude Thursday -- is being closely watched for signs on how leaders intend to tackle those thorny issues. (Bssnews)