In remarks lasting nearly an hour-and-a-half, Xi called for support for the state economy and development of the private sector, and said China would expand efforts at opening up and ensure the implementation of major reforms. China’s substantial support of its sprawling state sector is a point of contention with the United States. “We must, unswervingly, reinforce the development of the state economy while, unswervingly, encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-state economy,” he said at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People. In his speech, Xi enumerated the accomplishments of China’s development since it moved away from a planned economy, when basic goods were rationed and often scarce. “Grain coupons, cloth coupons, meat coupons, fish coupons, oil coupons, tofu coupons, food ticket books, product coupons and other documents people once could not be without have now been consigned to the museum of history,” he said.

Source: Mint December 18, 2018 06:22 UTC