Changes

The first 100 days has seen both detailed policies as well as concrete changes. At the Central Economic Work Conference held last year, cutting tax and helping more rural workers settle in cities will be among reforms pursued through steady economic growth for the year ahead, according to top policy makers.

The two-day session was a reassurance to those who were focused on China's economic development pattern, and in essence brought about positive momentum to the country's economy, reflected in multiple economic indices including CPI.

Positive changes were also seen in the Political Bureau's management style. "One has to discipline himself before making demands of others," said Xi Jinping, demanding a simplified working environment. Xi's first trip outside Beijing saw no traffic regulations, no crowd control, no red carpets and frugal accommodations. Xi has also made personal efforts to combat extravagance.

Other standing committee members such as Li Keqiang, Liu Yunshan and Wang Qishan, required meeting attendants not to read their drafted speeches, but to be brief and concrete in their remarks.

News reporting has adapted to the change accordingly. Xinhua published detailed résumés of all new leaders, a new move hailed by foreign media as a major step in promoting "political transparency." News agencies also employed microblogs to broadcast live leaders' inspections; ordinary people's stories were more frequently seen in headlines.

A broad trend of rewarding ordinary citizens and punishing corrupt officials is on the rise. During the same period, a number of corrupt officials fell from grace, some of whom had held posts as high as vice minister. British paper the Guardian commented as saying the CPC has made a resolution to eradicate corruption.

Professor Xie Chuntao at the CPC Central Committee Party School said the new leadership has mostly impressed the public with their policies, actions and new ideas. These things indicate that the new leaders' dedication to "Emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts."

Professor Xie said the new leaders are keeping pace with the times and are truly supporting reform efforts. "Caring for the people, being pragmatic and exercising self-discipline, our leaders set examples on how to develop the nation through hard work," he said.

Local governments at all levels, along with state-owned enterprises are all exploring new ways to support ongoing reforms, and so far have received positive feedback from the public and the press.

Renowned monthly magazine The Diplomat on its website published an article, saying Xi Jinping has reiterated the importance to continue reform and opening up, a policy drafted by late Deng Xiaoping. The article hailed Xi's decision as "an undoubted correct choice."

Trials with expectations

People are also aware that the new leadership faces tough challenges. January's economic data showed industrial enterprises across the nation registering their slowest growth in years. Dependency on imported oil then reached a peak, and irrational economic structuring bottlenecks China from further developing its economy.

Meanwhile, severe smog shrouds many parts of the country. Combined with other major issues such as wealth polarization, abuse of power and food safety, many Chinese citizens are beginning to demand for better social security and stronger protection of their rights.

Internationally, territorial disputes with Japan over the Diaoyu Islands, North Korea's latest nuclear test and frayed Sino-US relationships test the minds of China's new leadership.

New state leaders and legislation will be voted on during the upcoming Twelfth National People's Congress, scheduled to begin in March.