銆€銆€In what is being widely interpreted by analysts as a political signal, Xi Jinping conducted his first official trip as new Party chief to Guangdong, the southern province where China's market-oriented reforms were launched.

銆€銆€Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Wang Yang, Party chief of Guangdong, meet with government officials and business leaders in Guangdong province on Sunday. [Photo/Xinhua]

銆€銆€Due to its proximity to Hong Kong, Guangdong was chosen as the testing ground by Deng Xiaoping three decades ago for "reform and opening-up".

銆€銆€Xi met with business leaders in Guangzhou on Sunday in the run-up to the annual high-level Central Economic Work Conference scheduled to convene later this month, the Xinhua News Agency reported on Monday.

銆€銆€Xi was elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee at the Party's 18th National Congress last month.

銆€銆€In his meeting with the business leaders he stressed the importance of healthy and sustainable development.

銆€銆€He also said China must "focus clearly" on the ever-changing global situation. While the achievement and long-term fundamentals of the economy must be recognized, China must also be aware of potential obstacles, he said.

銆€銆€China must not attempt to ignore its problems and must "strive for the best but be prepared for the worst", he said.

銆€銆€Difficulties and challenges, as well as advantages and opportunities, should be taken into account to promote healthy economic growth, Xi said.

銆€銆€In the face of complicated and fluid conditions, confidence and awareness of risks are needed to make progress while ensuring stability, he noted.

銆€銆€"We should remain cool-headed. We should acknowledge the economic and social achievements we have made so far and recognize that the long-term fundamentals will remain sound," he said.

銆€銆€"Meanwhile, we should also recognize that adverse domestic and overseas conditions will be long-term. We should not run from challenges nor cover up problems,'' he said.

銆€銆€Xi also urged accelerating economic restructuring and pushing innovation forward. These goals were imperative, he said.

銆€銆€After listening to opinions at the meeting about the economy, Xi urged the relevant departments to solve problems through, among other things, deepening reform and enhancing law enforcement.

銆€銆€Before the meeting, Xi visited Shenzhen, the first special economic zone.

銆€銆€He was quoted during the visit as encouraging people to rapidly quicken reform. The visit was seen by observers as echoing a similar trip in 1992 by Deng, which revived the country's then-stalled reforms.

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