AP Photo

Dull as the 18th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) may be, with its pre-fixed agenda, the party meeting that continues this week could still be said to be of epoch-making significance, both politically and economically. 

On the political side, the 18th party congress symbolizes that the CCP and China have eventually walked out of the shadow of Deng Xiaoping. It is well known that outgoing President Hu Jintao, like his predecessor Jiang Zemin, was handpicked and pre-appointed by Deng Xiaoping. As such, it could be said Hu has ruled China under Deng's shadow for years even though the paramount leader passed away several years before he came to power. 

Incoming Chinese leader Xi Jinping has no direct personal connection to Deng...