Many discussions have been raised and centered around reform both before and during the current 18th Party congress. Reform was the most eye-catching section of Hu Jintao's report to the congress. Based on over three decades' experiences, reform has undoubtedly become the basic means for our society to further advance.

Reform is equal to a "breakthrough," and also includes improvements in politics, economy and society. China's reform is a process in which society changes, transforms and develops profoundly and steadily. It doesn't mark a mere turning point.

However, in reality, the term "breakthrough" is apparently more popular in public opinion than the idea of "improvement" which seems to be often considered as being too "conservative." Discussions on making breakthroughs have become fashionable, despite creating little agreement. 

China made the breakthrough by choosing a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics during the leadership of Deng Xiaoping. For a long time to come, it will be unnecessary for China to make another strategic breakthrough of the same significance. China's current mode of development brings us outstanding achievements, There is no theoretical or factual foundation to overthrow it. Nobody reasonable would expect us to do so.

More attention should be given to improvement nowadays, which could consolidate the outcomes of the breakthrough of the past while making preparations for new changes. The quicker and better we improve, the better we can consolidate the outcomes of past breakthroughs and the easier we can move toward new ones.

One of the achievements of China's reform in the political field has been the surging of civil society. Nowadays, social forces have obviously influenced China's politics and the driving force the grass roots have on reform at the very the top is almost unexpected. Future political reform apparently needs to attach more importance to the relationship between government and society. However, the civil society has gradually formed and did not suddenly come about as the result of any breakthrough.

We should expect to make breakthroughs, but the breakthroughs should focus on solving specific problems instead of dictating a change to our mode of development. China has been moving toward a socialist democracy, there is no need to find a new breakthrough from the Western system.

There is still a long way to go for China's reform. Passion alone cannot bring national rejuvenation. We should cheer and support reform, but we should also understand that it must be promoted steadily in the years to come.