Xinhua on October 21 published Chinese President Xi Jinping's 'open' letter to owners of China's private businesses saying Beijing will continue to value and protect them to ensure a "better tomorrow.’” Xi Jinping said Beijing fully recognised the role of private enterprises and the ruling Chinese Communist Party would continue to bless their development.”He added that the private sector’s historic contribution to the country’s development was “indelible” and "should not be doubted.” “Any words or acts to negate or weaken private economy are wrong." Xi Jinping also affirmed that “it is always a policy of the Central Committee of the Communist Party to support private business development, and this will be unwavering.”

(Comment: Xi Jinping's letter was actually addressed to entrepreneurs who contributed to help his poverty alleviation efforts. His letter also comes in the midst of a debate underway in China about the merits or otherwise of private businesses.)