Ambivalence hung over the World Economic Forum meeting that was held in Dalian, Liaoning province.
Participants were eager to compare notes but few headed home with clear answers to such questions as how Europe can solve its sovereign debt crisis, how the United States can avoid a double dip and how China can continue to lead global growth.
Known as the summer Davos, the three-day meeting which ended on Friday attracted 1,600 participants - the largest number since it was first held on the mainland five years ago, according to forum media director Fon Mathuros. But there were few heads of state and captains of industry, and even fewer words of confidence for the assembled. If there was any reassuring sign, it was the locals' emphasis on political reform.
Premier Wen Jiabao became the champion of the cause when he included some candid remarks about political reform in his address to the opening session.
As a first step, Wen said, China should uphold the rule of law to advance social justice (primarily economic opportunities), maintain justice, protect people's 'democratic rights' and root out corruption.
Wen said there should be change to the present system, which features an 'overconcentration of unrestricted power'.