Opinion | China's reformers must be ready for a protracted battle with interest groups
Hu Shuli says the central leading group on reform, headed by Xi, will have to remain above the fray and resolute in pushing for change
The turn of the year brought news that President Xi Jinping will take the helm of the newly formed leading group for overall reform.
This group is a key part of China's reform drive. As soon as its formation was announced at the third plenum, speculation followed over its structure, operation and membership, all of which would affect its effectiveness.
Having Xi lead the group is surely the best guarantee that the government is serious about "deepening comprehensive reform".
The group has four key tasks, according to the plenum's resolution: design a holistic plan; facilitate co-operation between the different agencies involved; implement the plan as a whole; and monitor its progress. All four steps will upset vested interests.
By penning the resolution, the government has made a good start towards completing the first task. We are confident the final plan will impress in both scope and ambition.
The next three tasks are far more challenging. From co-ordination to implementation and oversight, reformers will be opposed at each stage by interest groups. Thus, when carrying out their job, they must strive to be professional, decisive and politically savvy. Above all, they must take responsibility and see the job through.