Reform logic in 'The Open Class' of the Premier

On Nov. 9, CNTV delivered a 70+1/3-min course video entitled "The Economic Open Class of Premier Li Keqiang" on its channel of "Chinese Open Classes". As soon as it was put online, this video aroused a very high attention of netizens. Some overseas websites and sharing platforms also showed a strong interest in this video.  [Special coverage]

In fact, this video features the Economic Situation Report recently delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the Sixteen National Congress of All China Federation of Trade Unions. Many domestic and overseas media have described this report with such words as "authoritative, relaxing and lively", from which we can see the popularity of this "Open Class". In terms of form, Premier Li "did not use any draft". He thoroughly expounded the economic situation of China. Moreover, it is really very rare that the entire process of this speech was directly put online in the name of "Open Class".

If this is a way of interaction between a government leader and the public, this way would have at least two advantages: (1) It can weaken the sense of mystery of the process of ruling and administration. (2) It can display the confidence and mien of the premier of a great nation.

In terms of effect, it must be a novel way of communication for the Premier of China to discuss Chinese economy in the form of online "Open Class".

Of course, the value of the "Open Class" of Premier Li Keqiang does not lie in its form only. The "Open Class" not only contains judgment of short-term economic situation, but also consideration of medium and long-term economic situation. Against numerous problems faced by Chinese economy, Premier Li Keqiang mentioned various countermeasures in this "Open Class". Through this "Open Class", the macroeconomic policy idea of the current Chinese government has been clearly displayed.

In this summer, a concept named "Keqiang Economics" prevailed. According to the conclusion of relevant organizations, "Keqiang Economics" has three key points of policy framework: (1) Non-stimulation; (2) De-leveraging; (3) Structural reform. It rejects meaningless stimulation or even stimulation with a strong side effect, abandons paternalism, sticks to promoting structural reform, and displays the necessary respect of government for economic law.

After attentively listening to the "Open Class" of Premier Li, we would obviously feel that what its overall idea follows is still the gist of "Keqiang Economics", which is full of the logic of reform. The Premier Li said repeatedly and emphatically in this "Open Class" that we should "try to release the huge bonus of reform", and we should "streamline our administration and delegate powers". It is no coincidence that this "Open Class" was put online just when the Third Plenary Session of the Eighteenth National Congress of CPC was convened in Beijing. That the appeal of "re-reform" could be heard both inside and outside the venue.

What the expectation for reform reflects is the real public opinion. Reform is really essential for the future development and progress of China. The key to this issue lies in: (1) We should boldly withstand the pressure and break through the resistance; (2) We should intelligently promote the reform.

Through this "Open Class", we can find out that Chinese government seeks to vigorously promote the reform, boost structural adjustment and stimulate the market's vitality to foster the endogenous power of economic growth. Under the set reform targets, should we make quick progress in small steps, or should we wait for an opportunity to "detonate" the reform? Should we pay more attention to top-level design, or should we rely on the bottom-up approach? This is a process of seeking for balance. Of course, the "reform" mentioned here goes beyond the economic sector. It is not a "fragmental repair", but a systematic package of reform.

It is really good that the vivid "Open Class" of the Premier Li is very popular. In a sense, this is also a kind of reform. Both the form and contents of the "Open Class" deserve our careful study, perception and appreciation.