Hu, in his written answers Sunday, said China would continue to develop „socialist democracy.“ His comment on the topic seemed to suggest that China‘s leadership at once understands the growing demand for more pluralism from its increasingly affluent citizens, while at the same time signaling that any further opening will come only within the strict confines of the current, Communist-led system.

Political reform, Hu said, must „meet people‘s growing enthusiasm for participating in political affairs.“ But he added: „The political structuring we pursue in China is aimed at advancing the self-improvement and development of the socialist political system.“