Despite economic headwinds, report inspires confidence

Some people seem to have an incurable dread of China becoming economically stronger. But what worries more minds these days is whether the world's second-largest economy can continue growing as it has over the past few decades.

For those concerned the economy is losing steam, the report Premier Li Keqiang delivered on behalf of the central government to China's national legislature on Tuesday should have eased their apprehensions. It combined coolheaded judgments about the troubles the country faces with an outline of the planned countermoves, giving due respect to their present and future consequences.

It offered additional evidence that a readjustment is under way in the expectation of a tough struggle ahead.