As the current round of local leadership succession unfolds, some younger faces, particularly a group born in the 1960s, are found at the helm in the provinces and central government ministries.

We did not lack examples of 40-somethings in a governor's or a minister's office. But the emergence of the latest such group in high positions is different.

We are not unfamiliar with reports about foreign citizens in their 40s being elected national leaders.

In terms of personality development, leaders this age are young and energetic enough to stand the toughest of challenges, while mature and rational enough to have a sense of direction.

But Chinese political culture is one that values seniority. Traditionally, young faces were not favored for key decision-making positions because they were considered immature for leadership roles.

Another perceived disadvantage of youthful officials has been personal characteristics. More often than not, aspiring youths would not be trusted and promoted until they concealed or gave up what made them who they are. That is why hopeful candidates for public offices usually choose to speak, behave, and even dress alike.

The Communist Party of China seems to have seen the downside of the traditional culture's obsession with old age. The rise of the 40-somethings in the ongoing leadership changes is actually by arrangement.

The Party's central leadership has made it compulsory that the new Party apparatus at the provincial level must include three members under the age of 50, and at least one under 45.

The result is leaders born in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

The collective prominence of the 1960s generation on the national political landscape is worth celebration not because it is a natural evolution of power succession. They will instill new vigor into Chinese politics not only because they are younger and more energetic.

This age group witnessed the nation's difficult transfer from a planned to a market economy. Most of them received higher education after the country resumed regular college instruction. They grew up immersed in idealism.

Let us hope they do bring something fresh to the national political scene.

(Source: China Daily January 26, 2007)