Removing the veil

Situated next to the Summer Palace, the 18th century imperial retreat in Beijing's northwestern suburbs, the school has been regarded as a mysterious place for most of its 79-year history.

"Previously, there were no road signs leading to the school and no signpost to indicate what it was. Guarded by the People's Armed Police, it seemed more like a military facility," recalled Gong.

However, during the past decade, the school has started to remove its veil, opening the door to foreign politicians and scholars and encouraging them to interact with the staff and trainees.

In 2010, more than 70 reporters from 30 media organizations - including 42 foreign correspondents - were invited to tour the campus and conduct interviews with students and staff.

In 2000, Ezra F. Vogel, professor emeritus at Harvard University, became the first foreigner to deliver a lecture at the school. Hu Jintao, who was then China's vice-president, was the principal when Vogel spoke on July 4, US Independence Day, about the US struggle for liberation from Britain, and commented on the political system at the time.

Three years later, Kissinger, the former US secretary of state, visited, and shared his views on Sino-US relations and both countries' foreign policies.

But not all visitors are political heavyweights. The heads of several multinational companies have also toured the school, including Peter Sands, group CEO of Standard Chartered PLC, Marjorie Scardino, CEO of Pearson PLC, and Peter Grauer, chairman of the board at Bloomberg LP.

"China is such a huge market for the multinationals that they keep a close eye on all the relevant policies," said Renmin University's Jin. "While foreign officials come to the Party School to voice their opinions on international affairs, businesspeople seek to create a favorable political environment to further explore the market."

In an unexpected development, Massimo Moratti, oil-tycoon owner and president of the Italian soccer club Inter Milan, visited the school in May. During the discussions, Li Jingtian, the school's vice-president, expressed his concern about the parlous state of Chinese soccer, while Moratti admitted that the club is seeking cooperation to boost the development of the sport in China, according to the school's official website.

For Qu, the acceptance of a wide variety of characters from a range of professions indicates China's greater openness and a willingness to listen to what were previously unpalatable points of view.

"In the past, none of this would have been possible. Socialism is taught here and at one time the school wouldn't have given the floor to people from different systems and holding different views. Now it has a very open stance and takes the initiative in the discussion of various issues: It shows the growing confidence of both the country and the Party."

Peng Yining and Yang Wanli contributed to this story.

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