China's reform roadmap met with high public expectations

By CCTV reporter Lin Nan

BEIJING, Nov. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- China has set out detailed policies in a reform roadmap, following a key meeting of the Communist Party of China earlier this week. It’s a show of the ruling party’s commitment to deepen reform in major areas to ensure China’s further development. How do ordinary Chinese people see these policy changes?

It is early Saturday morning. 52-year-old Wei Fuzhen has opened her newsstand and is waiting for the arrival of today’s paper. The key decisions about deepening reform are the main stories of almost every daily newspaper.

"Sales of newspapers have increased since the opening of the Third Plenum. For instance, I can sold out all copies of Xinmin Everning News these days." said Wei Fuzhen, News Vendor.

As the roadmap for reform was unveiled on Friday, many residents nearby can’t wait to get the first copy from the printing house.

"I hope that the elderly will be looked after properly, especially regarding medical care. Seeing doctor is difficult and expensive. I hope this situation can be improved."

Coming from the countryside, Wei Fuzhen has her concerns.

"People from the countryside don’t have the same welfare as those in the cities. It is most welcomed if the government can make up this gap." said Wei Fuzhen, News Vendor.

Easing the one child policy is also cheering up many people.

"I am not the only child in my family, but my husband is. Easing the one child policy will be beneficial for both my family and society in the long term. I hope that this policy will be implemented quickly."

And some agree that markets should play the "decisive" role in allocating resources.

"Many social problems are caused by the government and market not playing their roles properly in the economy. The government has spent money on areas which shouldn’t be and hasn’t done enough in medical care and education."

Developing the economy and improving people’s happiness are the common aspirations of locals.

"I hope that it won’t be just a dream that Chinese people can become affluent and enjoy happy lives one day."

The reform roadmap covers major areas that affect people’s livelihood, especially in those where many problems exist and interests conflict. Reform will never be easy, and the government has shown its determination in the blueprint. How can the country and people benefit from the reforms now depends on the implementation in the next stage.

(Source: CNTV.cn)