Xi Jinping: Pursuing a dream for 1.3b Chinese

At the end of 2012, he visited leaders of non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce to discuss ways to improve the system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC.

For the past four months, Xi has chaired four group study sessions for the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. He sought opinions and suggestions from experts and officials from various departments on issues pertaining to the Party and the country.

Turning 60 years old this year, Xi is at an age when a person can be more tolerant of criticism, according to traditional Chinese wisdom. He also asked CPC members to be more tolerant of sharp criticism.

He has asked CPC organizations at all levels to accept comments and supervision from the public in order to improve their work.

"We should let the people see the tangible changes and results of our work," Xi said. DOWN-TO-EARTH STYLE

Down-to-earth style

While working in different localities, Xi often cited an ancient poem written by Yang Wanli of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) to prepare himself for the hardship ahead:

"Don't say downhill no obstacles before you lie,

Misleading wayfarers to be happy and gay!

You are surrounded by ten thousand mountains high:

One mountain lets you pass, another bars your way."

While China speeds toward completing the construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, his sense of hardship remains with him as Xi sees the following challenges:

-- How can the government turn the people's aspirations for a wonderful life into concrete measures and administer the country properly?

-- Since deepening reform and opening up has become a national consensus, how should the government go further in reform?

-- Since it is a solemn pledge of the CPC to keep officials, the government and politics upright, clean and free from corruption, how can the CPC strengthen supervision and guard against corruption in practice?