Xi Jinping the reformer

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has sounded the clarion call for reform during the country's annual key political season, dispelling concerns about whether China's reform is "stagnating", or its economy is "losing steam".

"We must plan major moves to deepen reform to inject strong impetus into promoting high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization," President Xi said at the annual sessions of China's top legislature and top political advisory body, or the "two sessions", which wrapped up on Monday.

Since Xi took the top office more than a decade ago, China has entered a "new era". The country's economic strength has grown, and its international influence has continued to rise. Reform is the hallmark of this era.