Corruption is one of the key problems, and Vogel approved the achievements of the leadership's anti-corruption campaign. But he feels that more detailed measures are needed. "Sometimes corruption can make use of the loopholes - officials don't have to break any laws or regulations, but with power in hand they could get rich through their influence," he said. These loopholes need to be closed.

Environmental degradation is another key challenge that China must face and it needs to coordinate more with its international partners to improve environmental protection.

There are also other problems such as the social gaps, better protection of rights, and security. But Vogel believes there is hope in solving them, as they are not the result of any particular policies, but rather the natural development of society. The new leadership has shown political wisdom and will lead China's reforms further, he concluded.

The author is a writer with China Daily.

zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/20/2014 page9)