LSGs bring together leading party, government and military officials to discuss issues, exchange ideas and make policy recommendations to the Politburo and its Standing Committee. Academic specialists and influential journalists may also participate in LSGs. Not all LSGs operate at ministerial level; some may operate with lower-level officials. In recent years, LSGs have provided an important vehicle for individual leaders to direct policy. They enable the top leadership to exercise direct control over the management of key policy areas.
