As an American China-watcher based in Washington, D.C., I am monitoring China's new reform programs to determine potential ramifications for the United States and the U.S.-China relationship. There are many Americans doing the same. We are all closely watching President Xi Jinping and trying to determine what his impact will be on China's future, and on the future of the U.S.-China relationship.

The U.S. and Chinese economies are closely intertwined. When China's economy is strong, ours can prosper as well. When China's economy falters, the American economy also suffers. We share many common challenges that neither side can address alone, such as the battle to combat global climate change, which is already impacting both of our nations. Our fates are connected, so we watch Chinese leaders closely just as the Chinese citizens do.

The reform programs that Xi Jinping laid out in the 3rd Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee are programs aimed at preparing China for the next phase of development and transforming the Chinese growth model. They are domestic programs, but from an American perspective, China's success or failure at making this domestic reform transition has great implications for us as well.

One question that often arises in the United States is whether Xi Jinping and other current Chinese leaders will keep a steady hand on the tiller and maintain an ambitious reform path when difficulties emerge, such as a potential future slow-down in economic growth. From an outside perspective, we hope to see strength of resolve, which will be needed to bring the Chinese economy and society to a new level of development.

I interpret the "Four Comprehensives" as a signal that the Chinese leadership is determined to maintain a forward path along these four objectives and to keep moving forward until all critical goals are achieved, even if the seas become rough at times. From a foreign observer perspective, that is a positive signal.

Dr. Melanie Hart is the director for China Policy, Center for American Progress.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn

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