The Chinese economy has slumped to its slowest rate in five quarters. It is in danger of faltering if solutions are not found at the Third Plenum meeting, particularly to the long-term property crisis. If a solution is not found, it should raise concerns for the international community.

Past outcomes of the Plenum have changed the course of Chinese history. In 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping opened China’s markets to the world, and in 2013, President Xi Jinping hinted at loosening the controversial one-child policy. Expectations of this year’s Plenum are high — Xi is presiding over a closed-door gathering of 370-plus high-ranking Chinese Communist Party members.