China's citizens have high expectations for the new central government leadership, demanding faster economic growth and a higher standard of living for ordinary Chinese citizens.

Yang Tao, manager of the Beijing Keyu Company, said, "I believe China will experience an accelerated emancipation of people's minds, reform and opening-up, socialist modernization process and economic development under the new, younger, professional central government leadership."

A beneficiary of the market economy, Yang runs a high-tech enterprise. He expects the new government to maintain its current policy of encouraging high-tech development.

Noting that the new central government leaders are pragmatic and experienced in management, he said people can expect many new opportunities under their leadership.

Peng Quncai, a laid-off worker in Beijing's Haidian District, said, "When I saw Wen Jiabao descend into a 700-meter hole to extend Spring Festival regards to miners during the Chinese Lunar New Year, I was deeply moved by his actions. If the new leaders continue to give priority to the difficulties of laborers, we will keep up our morale."

Gao Li, an executive at a foreign-financed enterprise in Beijing, said the new leadership should seize the opportunity to position China in a strategically favorable manner to face fierce global competition.

Wang Suping, a staff of the Beijing Municipal Association of Science and Technology, said, "I hope the new leaders will have a sense of urgency. Only an impulse for innovation and courage for reform, can help China keep pace with the world."

Internet surfers expressed their hope for the new government to enhance the efforts in relieving low-income workers from financial difficulties and fighting against corruption.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2003)