Duncan Freeman, senior researcher with Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies. [File photo]

Duncan Freeman, senior researcher with Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies

President Xi appears confident that China will be able to sustain growth at a relatively strong rate indicating that the Chinese government believes there will be no severe deterioration in the economy. His confident expressions are directed at foreign companies that have influenced recent financial and economic events in China.

By using the platform of his visit to the US to reaffirm commitment on reform, Xi addressed one of the key areas of concern for foreign businesses operating in China. China has pushed ahead with reform since he became leader, but there have been concerns expressed about the pace of reform and how far it will go. President Xi's commitment to maintaining the pace of reform brings some reassurance that commitment has not weakened.