Another mainland editorial draws Xi Jinping-Deng Xiaoping parallels

President Xi Jinping identifies with the political legacy of reformist leader Deng Xiaoping, according to an editorial on Xi's leadership published online by the overseas edition of the official People's Daily.

It is the second commentary published online by the party's mouthpiece to compare Xi's leadership to that of the late paramount leader ahead of the 110th anniversary of Deng's birth on August 22.

Deng opened the country to the outside world in 1978 and pursued economic reforms, but was also in charge during the bloody crackdown on the 1989 democracy movement. The commentary said Xi regarded Deng as his role model and identified with his reform policies.

The editorial restated the legitimacy of Xi's fight against corruption and bureaucracy, saying the moves signalled his resolve to sweep away obstacles in the path of deepening reforms on the mainland.

"The problems left by reforms can only be solved by further reforms," the commentary said.

Xi also agreed with Deng's defence of the legacy of Mao Zedong , the commentary said, citing Xi's statement on the 120th anniversary of Mao's birth that the former leader was a great revolutionary who made mistakes in his later years.

Another commentary on July 31 summarised 10 of Deng's famous quotes that Xi has recited in his speeches. The article also highlighted former US ambassador Jon Huntsman's comment that Xi "has emerged as the most transformational Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping".