Chinese President Xi Jinping's clear vision of the future helps move the country forward along the path of reform and opening up that started some 30 years ago, a top Mexican academic has said.

Liljana Arsovska, a China expert at the College of Mexico and author of several books on China, said she was amazed at China's long-term planning and efficiency.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, she noted, few countries have five-year plans, but China even has "50-year development plans and projects that are often completed ahead of schedule."

The plans aim to improve life quality of China's vast population, challenged by the country's large size and complex demography.

"Making reforms in geographically smaller countries is like moving around small boats, but in China's case, it is like moving around outsize transatlantic ships," Arsovska told Xinhua.

The Asian giant is home to 56 ethnic groups who have various religious beliefs.

"Combining interests and positions into a single line is a very tough task," said Arsovska.

What makes it easier, she said, is the leadership's clear vision, because "knowing where you want to go means you're halfway there."

Xi elaborated on his vision, or the Chinese dream, in his book, "The Governance of China," which Arsovska referred to for further study on Chinese policy.

China's recent economic slowdown has raised concerns that the reforms may be put on the back burner for now.

But Xi believes the answer lies in more comprehensive reform and opening up, said Arsovska.

It is risky for China to grow at the breakneck speed as before, said Arsovska, citing potential environment and corruption problems. However Xi has shown his capability of dealing with these two issues, she said.

Arsovska said she found during her trip in China this year that Chinese people "are truly content" with Xi's governance.

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