The first event in the Asialink Next Generation Series, this seminar will focus attention on the forthcoming leadership transition within China's Communist Party, which is scheduled to take place at the 18th Party Congress in late 2012.

Drawn from business, academia and the media, leading experts and commentators will examine the new faces of power in China and debate the effects of transition, on China, Australia and the world.

The event will also explore the evolving media environment in China, particularly with reference to the rise of microblogging sites and the effects on the traditional state media apparatus. The economic and trade relationship between Australia and China will also form a focus of discussion.

The panel features Henry Makeham, Founder of the Australia-China Youth Dialogue, Jeremy Goldkorn, China politics and media commentator (via video from Beijing) and Peter Cai, Asian Affairs correspodent for The Age newspaper.

The event will be covered live through social media and recorded for the Asialink website. Participants will be able to submit questions via Twitter and Facebook, and contribute to ongoing discussion long after the on-stage debates have finished.

The Asialink Next Generation Series features outstanding new and established talent from Australia and across the region. Speakers will explore new ideas generated by the diplomatic, business and creative links between Australia and Asia.