EXERCISING YOUR POWER: A deputy casts ballots at the fourth plenary meeting of the First Session of the 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 14 (LAN HONGGUANG)

As witnesses and participants in ongoing globalization, the new leaders also have a broad vision and know how to deal with the international community.

Xi made a successful visit to the United States last February while still serving as China's vice president. "The vast Pacific Ocean has ample space for China and the United States," Xi told The Washington Post in a written interview before his tour.

As vice premier, Li visited the three European nations of Spain, Germany and Britain in January 2011. Prior to his visits, he wrote three articles that were published in mainstream newspapers in those countries stating China's development orientation.

The Chinese dream

During the more than 100 days since being elected as top Party leaders at the 18th CPC National Congress last November, the new leadership has impressed many with their closeness to the people and their forceful, pragmatic, efficient, self-disciplined and sober demeanors.

Early in his "inaugural speech" in front of reporters after being elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee on November 15 last year, Xi spoke about the important role of the people and their desires for a better education, more stable jobs, higher incomes, better medical care, improved housing conditions and a better environment. "Meeting their desires for a happy life is our mission," Xi said.

Xi vowed to rally and lead the Party and all Chinese people in carrying the "relay baton" passed on to the new leadership by history, as well as in continuing efforts to achieve the great renewal of the Chinese nation.

Fifteen days later, when Xi and the other six members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau visited The Road Toward Renewal exhibition in Beijing, he further explained the ambitious goal of national renewal.

"The Chinese dream is about solving China's problems," said Zheng Bijian, former Executive Vice President of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

The Chinese can neither afford to dream of consuming 25 barrels of oil per person each year like the Americans, nor can they pursue their dream of development by colonization, he said.

"Fundamentally, the Chinese dream is about using a peaceful, civilized method to realize national development and the modernization of a socialist country," Zheng said.

"The Chinese dream has its own timetable and will be realized step by step," said Fan Peng, a research fellow with the Gansu Provincial Academy of Social Sciences.

"Looking toward the future, all Party officials have to keep in mind that to turn blueprints into reality takes a long time and it also demands long and hard efforts," Xi said at the exhibition.

According to Xi, China will achieve the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, before the CPC marks its 100th founding anniversary.

By the 100th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China in 2049, the goal of building an affluent, strong, democratic, civilized and harmonious modern socialist country will be fulfilled, and the dream of the great renewal of the Chinese nation will be accomplished, Xi said.

"Making empty talk is harmful to the nation, whereas doing practical work can help it thrive," Xi added.