Confident about China

Many of the commentators were confident about the plan, which covers a period considered crucial to achieving the goal of Xiao Kang Society, or a society of comfortable means.

The East Asia Institute's Chen Gang said the plan should give priority not only to economic growth, but also the transformation of the economic structure, reform of income distribution and environment and new energy sectors.

"It is in line with the global trend" of low carbon, equality and humanity, he said.

Chen said he expected the Chinese economy to continue with its trend of fast economic growth over the next five years, citing further progress in the country's industrialization and urbanization.

Chinese Biz News said the cost of the economic restructuring was not that high as it came at a time when the US and European economy still needed time to recover, creating a buffering effect for China.

Tan Kai Hee, Secretary-General of Malaysia-China Friendship Association, believed it should not be difficult for China to achieve the goal of establishing Xiao Kang Society by 2020.

China is making efforts to deal with the wealth gap and promote social equality, and a growing middle class would help stabilize society, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2010)