News analysis

Xi Jinping seeks to shore up confidence through show of resolve

But speech lacks details on concrete steps China will take to address problems: Experts

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Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech to mark 40 years of reform and opening-up went some way towards reassuring his people that he would continue along the path of the late patriarch Deng Xiaoping, who started China on the journey towards modernisation four decades ago.

However, it did little to mollify the United States and the West - which have accused China of unfair trade practices and criticised its "authoritarianism" - as the Chinese leader's message to the world wasthat China will not change its chosen course despite external pressure.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 19, 2018, with the headline Xi Jinping seeks to shore up confidence through show of resolve. Subscribe