conferences show that he has been a successful leader. These meetings serve three main purposes, he said. First, Putin can state his own policies directly to the public. Second, he can explain these policies clearer and better than other politicians. And third, he can get to know what citizens are concerned about.

"Many of the Russians' demands were made known during the press conferences, which could be resolved some time afterward," Wang said. "The people believe the president cares about their problems."

Wang also pointed out that Putin's statements during the last annual public press conference on February 14 served as both a review of his past achievements and an outlook for the country's future. On some levels, Putin was setting forth requirements for his successor to follow, Wang said.

The country's strong political, economic, military and diplomatic strength today shows that Putin "has done a great job," although some Westerners have been "too picky" when it comes to analyzing his performance as president, Wang said. For example, Western critics usually condemn what they consider to be Putin's backpedaling on democratic reform in Russia, while they ignore the important fact that living conditions and social security have been greatly improved since he came to power, Wang said.

Putin's stances on relations with big countries in the world have been very clear, especially ties with China, the United States and European countries, Wang said.

"As a founder and advocate of the current Sino-Russian strategic cooperative partnership, Putin had stated his desire to develop bilateral ties on many occasions," Wang said, adding that the stable relationship has benefited both sides. Putin has realized that maintaining such ties is a strategic choice and that developing Sino-Russian relations has been an independent policy on both sides, which will not be influenced by other countries.

"Putin is very satisfied with his achievements in this area," Wang said.

Some Western leaders have been concerned about Russia's renaissance under Putin-a remnant of the Cold War mentality, Wang said. Even after Russia supported the United States on jointly combating terrorism following the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Americans have not changed their strategy to shrink Russia's sphere of influence by including Eastern European countries in NATO.

"Thus Putin gave up his fantasy of becoming a friend of the United States and adjusted his policy to the White House," Wang said. Unlike U.S. policy, Russia's approach toward Eastern European countries has been more practical and constructive. It has aimed to promote cooperation through dialogue, because Russia traditionally considers itself part of Europe. But because many European countries are also NATO members, they have conflicts and disputes with Russia.

New-generation European leaders, who are more pro-U.S., have different stances on Russia, Wang said. "European countries are not yet clear about their stance when dealing with Russia and the United States," he said. "But a worsening relationship with Russia is not their choice either."

Putin's Prospective Plan

President Vladimir Putin's speech to the Russian State Council in Moscow on February 8 was a blueprint for the country's future strategies for development. He outlined the following goals for Russia's long-term development by 2020:

--Improving innovative development and generally changing current economic growth mode that is fully dependent on natural resources. The strategy of innovative development should be based on human potential and the effective use of knowledge and individual skills.

--Decentralizing power in Russia. Putin stressed that the government system in Russia is too bureaucratic to realize dynamic development. "The government should be a center that develops strategic plans and approves federal programs with clearly set tasks and assessment criteria," he said.

--Setting economic growth goals for Russia. Putin said Russia should double its GDP by the end of 2009 while maintaining its current economic growth rate. He also suggested reducing the state-controlled sector of the economy and called for more private investment.

--Improving the army's position in the country and increasing military salaries. Military modernization is crucial to the country's security, Putin said.