Leadership change signals more reforms ahead(2)

Kenneth Kim, Renmin Univ. School of Business, said, "They need to invest in domestic growth, they need to ensure future consumption that goes back to trying to reduce income disparity, and urbanization is part of that. I think this is where people can get excited about the future of China. "

Showing his determination to deepen reforms, Xi Jinping made his first tour after being elected to the southern coastal city of Shenzhen. It was where the open-door policy was first initiated by the late leader Deng Xiaoping some three decades ago.

Xi Jinping said, "We'll continue to walk along the right road to rejuvenate the country and make people better off. We will deepen our reforms to a wider scope and a higher level."

China has seen a decade of rapid growth, but this fast development has been uneven, leading to a widening wealth gap, environmental damage, and various social problems.

Another rising challenge is regional tensions over territorial rows in the East and South China Seas. Xi Jinping says the army should speed its modernization.

6 weeks after taking office, Xi Jinping has already begun work on major projects, from internal reforms to direct appeals to the people. His approachable personality has proved popular with the public. Despite all the challenges, the smooth transition and his confidence in politics could mean that a better tomorrow is attainable for China and its people.