But the economic boom, thanks to the reform, has lasted for nearly 30 years and has shown no signs of slowing down.
During all these years, few members of the academia or officials had a clear idea as to how the market economy had played its role in driving the boom or whether it had followed any rule unique to China. The economists in other countries were equally confused.
Another unexpected occurrence was that new social problems emerged quickly and dramatically after the economic takeoff. These ranged from regional disparities between the coastal and inner areas to high property prices troubling urban residents.
The public is urging the authorities to take effective measures to control the increase in groups promoting their own interests. And it is also their demand public services should be improved.
After the economy achieved its current fruits, the superstructure of the society lagged behind the changed economic circumstances and cast an increasingly negative influence on the growth of the productive force. The appearance of such a lag occurred much earlier than estimated.
Theories stressing the planned economy and the class struggle still have their supporters in the society. And many others turn a blind eye to the real situation of China, trying to transplant the practices or theories of other countries rigidly here. The interested groups, especially those benefiting from industrial monopolies, are obstacles to political reform.
Of course, the integration of the Chinese economy with the rest of the world has also been quicker than people could have imagined three decades ago. The close ties of China with its partners have resulted in many bilateral or multilateral trade disputes that are not easy to solve.
To make things worse, these disputes have become rather complex because some Western politicians are faithful followers of the so-called "value-orientated diplomacy", which makes trade disputes part of political manipulation.
If the public is motivated by the phrases "emancipating the mind and "seeking truth from facts", their wisdom and power will be enhanced in choosing the right path to our future development.
Reviewing our prosperous achievements in the last three decades, it is not yet time to sit back and enjoy, for the Chinese people are eager to savor more freedom, democracy and wealth. With further emancipation of our minds, we will be able to ease the great pressure during the comprehensive social transition, and transform it into a driving force for more accomplishments.
The author is a researcher with China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies.
(China Daily, March 12, 2008)