In recent years, a number of young officials have been exposed as being involved in corruption scandals and the public believes similar cases may occur at any time.

One recent case involved a 27-year-old official Xiao Minghui, who reportedly took 16 million yuan ($2.55 million) in bribes. Cases like this add to public fury toward the system.

Reform has been a popular topic for public discussion, particularly reforms to the political system. But opinions are widely divided on what the goals of reform should be; some confuse the need to further boost the economy and improve social equality with changing the basic political system of China.

We think the next step of reform in China needs to be setting a clear and concrete goal. The best option is to curb official corruption.

Corruption is the most serious problem in China's political arena and attracts the most social and public concern. All of society has reached a consensus on the need to crack down on corruption. In fact, the level of corruption is more closely related to China's current stage of social development than political reform, but this is not easily understood or accepted. The reality is that curbing corruption cannot be delayed in China anymore, and the public demands obvious and positive results immediately.

Even if corruption is the result of a specific stage of social development, the root of the problem is loopholes in institutional design systems. The most effective way to fight against corruption is to reform these institutions.

The most important thing is that institutional reform must be promoted to check power. The reform must to a large extent decrease corruption.

Although the causes of corruption are complicated, some deliberately use it to attack China's political system, therefore eliminating corruption is critical to long-term political stability in the future. The institutional reform of China must be centered around anti-corruption efforts. The selection of and supervision of officials must comply with the goal of fighting corruption. Previously, these processes were usually directed from the top to the grass roots level, but they have been proven defective in reality. Public opinion must be involved and the anti-corruption system should become an open social campaign.

The Internet has provided a platform for the public to participate in anti-corruption efforts. This should be expanded, legalized and institutionalized.

Achieving substantial progress in anti-corruption efforts through reform will boost public confidence in the country's political system and counter criticisms.