HISTORY REVIEW: Xi Jinping (second right, front) and other members of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China visit an exhibition in Beijing showcasing China's development since 1840 on November 29, 2012 (JU PENG)

February 22 marks the 100th day since the newly elected leadership of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), with Xi Jinping as the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, took the helm of the world's second largest economy following the 18th Party National Congress. Over this period, the international community has paid much attention to the new leadership's measures to govern the country, speculating on the future of this developing giant.

On that day, the People's Daily published a commentary on the policies issued by the new leadership over the past months and the change of the CPC working style, including reactions from the world media and professionals. The following is an edited excerpt of the article:

The new CPC leadership aimed to achieve a national revival by setting ambitious goals, clarifying paths of development and shaping effective governing measures. These efforts have presented a new image to international observers and foreign media.

Objective

The CPC leadership's objective of a "Chinese dream" is grand and realistic. The process of fighting for this dream is one that will benefit local people and the rest of the world.

Xi said the "Chinese dream" was a long-cherished wish held by generations of Chinese and a common aspiration of all people. Overseas observers believe that, by underlining the "Chinese dream," the new CPC leadership has demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility for the renewal of the nation.

Alejandro Simonoff, an expert on international studies at Argentina's National University of La Plata, said that China is now playing a key role in international organizations, and its objective of realizing a "Chinese dream" resonates with the whole nation.

James Oruko, a lecturer with Kenya's Egerton University, said the "Chinese dream" is like a beacon, which could guide the country to accomplish even greater achievements in promoting social welfare and economic growth.

The "Chinese dream" also means that other countries will have more opportunities for development as they cooperate with China in a mutually beneficial manner.

Jose Luis Robaina, a renowned Cuban expert on China, said a strong, independent and stable China was good for the whole world.

Confidence

With full confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics, the new CPC leadership has already begun bringing new ideas in advancing reforms and opening up, as well as Party building.

Over the past months, Xi repeated on many occasions the importance of sticking to socialism with Chinese characteristics. International observers think the Party's path of choice is determined by its tenet and the basic system of the country. The set of this development path has systematically answered fundamental questions such as what kind of socialism to follow in such a big developing country, how to build socialism and how to realize modernization and it has proven to be feasible and successful.

The new leadership has released a lot of new information on reform and opening up, to which the international community has paid much attention. Soon after assuming the top CPC post, Xi visited south China's Guangdong Province, the testing ground for China's reform and opening-up policy, and made important remarks on reform and opening up. Many foreign media outlets have noted that China's reform has now entered the hardest period and the "deep-water zone." In the future, the country's reform will be carried out in a more systematic, integrated and coordinated way.

The international community widely commented that the new CPC leadership is not only strong in attitude in terms of improving working styles, but it is also committed to its words. The new leadership has a clear understanding of anti-corruption and a clean government, and it is brave enough to do tangible jobs in this regard.

The new Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee passed the Eight Point Code on December 4, 2012, aimed at improving working style, which included building a connection with the people. The top leaders have also set an example in advocating thrift and opposing extravagance. Today, thriftiness is becoming a consensus in Chinese society.

Garrison Ikiara, lecturer of International Economics at the University of Nairobi, agreed with the new measures, saying a ruling Party should be prepared for dangers in times of safety, and strengthen Party building.

Thomas Meyer, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Fundamental Principles of Germany's Social Democratic Party, said it was an absolute necessity for the CPC to set anti-corruption as a major task, as corruption would damage the credibility of a ruling Party, and would weaken people's support for reform.

An article on Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao said that Xi's requirement of "confining power in a cage" hit the nail right on the head of corruption.