definition shrinks

[ian2]

But Wen probably does mean that the party and state, even the central government, should not interfere in routine judicial matters. And the definition of "politically important case," if the past is predictive, should continue to shrink over time. But progress will only come gradually.

Can we just paraphrase the blue part as:

From the past experience, we can predict that the number of the politically cases should become smaller.

For me, "definition shrinks" cannot be understood literally. What does "definition shrink" mean? What will be shrinking is the number of cases, not the definition. Please confirm or disagree. Thanks in advacne again.

[Tdol]

Yes; things that may be politically important now will not be seen as important in the future, so there will be a gradual reduction of the role of central governemnt in some areas.

[ian2]

Thanks. Tdol. Enjoy the summer.

Ian