Xi Jinping reassures liberals with renewed call for broad reform
Remarks ahead of policy summit seem aimed at quieting concerns about his support for change
President Xi Jinping renewed his call for broad reform while in Hubei yesterday - a move seen by observers as an effort to reassure liberals ahead of a key party conclave.
The remarks, which come as party leaders prepare for their annual policy summit in Beidaihe , appeared aimed at quieting concerns about his support for further reform amid rising social unrest and a declining economy, political analysts say.
To address the series of conflicts and challenges China faces in the current development, the key is to deepen reforms across the board
"To address the series of conflicts and challenges China faces in the current development, the key is to deepen reforms across the board," Xi said during an inspection tour in Hubei.
It was Xi's most extensive comments on reform since echoing Deng Xiaoping's call for deepening reform during a Shenzhen visit shortly after being named party chief in November.
Xi has since stoked the fears of reformists with repeated references to Mao Zedong . First, he defended the late helmsman's legacy against those who would repudiate it. Then he launched a Mao-style "mass line" campaign to repair grass-roots support for the party.
"Xi's previous remarks might have left many people with the impression that he is not keen on further reforms. But now he might be trying to dispel such speculation," said Zhang Lifan , a Beijing-based political affairs analyst.