When Deng Xiaoping launched his radical program of “reform and opening up” in 1978, he faced fierce opposition – mostly from fervent ideologues and revolutionary diehards. Just as Deng’s status and forcefulness enabled him to face down his opponents and keep China’s economic modernization on course, President Xi Jinping’s determined leadership can overcome vested interests and implement the needed reforms.
中国领导人很熟悉实施彻底改革可能面临的困难。1978年，邓小平果断启动“改革开放”时，他也面临着激烈的反对——大多来自思想顽固的理论家和革命到底派。正如邓小平的地位和铁腕让他能够战胜反对者、让中国经济走上现代化进程，现任国家主席习近平的果断领导也能克服既得利益，实施必要的改革。