The Second Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China kicks off on Tuesday. One of the focuses of the plenum is to discuss the draft proposal on institutional restructuring and function transformation of the State Council. The meeting also marks the countdown to this year's two sessions.

Chinese public opinion has high expectations for this year's two sessions, as the sessions concern the country's leadership change and are the first since the 18th Party Congress. There have been many discussions around reforms before and after the 18th Party Congress. The two sessions will be the time to give a final verdict.

According to some people's expectations, reforms to restructure the State Council must include large-scale adjustments. Those people will not be satisfied by the principles of "active yet prudent," "step-by-step manner," and "priority given to transformation of function." A lack of large-scale reform could stir up public discontent. In most cases, the content of the reform being carried out rarely excites the public.  

Outside of those countries which underwent revolutions and turbulence in recent years, China is the country which has implemented the most institutional reform. In other big powers, it's rare to hear about the abolition of a department or restructuring of key departments. The frequent institutional reforms in China are a result of China's flawed administrative system. The reforms are also made possible by the consensus of Chinese leaders and the public that the administrative system should advance with the times.

Reform has become a regular method for China to move forward and keep stability. Changes that reforms have brought to China in recent years are even more than those in countries experiencing revolution. But it's notable that the assumption that the bigger the reform the better is wrong. Successful reforms China had in the past years are based on China's own problems and situations. Reforms are never meant to create a sensation.

Issues requiring urgent solutions include strengthening market supervision, further improving people's ability to earn their livelihood and fighting against corruption.

From the long run, China should strive to create fair opportunities, strengthen rule of law and build clean governance.

China needs to continue its institutional reforms, which will require the efforts of several generations. The reforms cannot be stopped; they also cannot be realized overnight.

The degree of public satisfaction with reform in a short time shouldn't be the yardstick to judge whether the reform is successful or not. Public opinion which is expressed openly and freely is not necessarily rational. Chinese politics should on one hand pay close attention to the expectations of the public, but also on the other hand try to maintain the country's healthy general situation.