Xi to direct carrying out of reform

China's top leader Xi Jinping will head a group to steer economic, social and Party reforms, underscoring the country's determination to push through change amid resistance from vested interests.

China's top ruling body, the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, decided to set up the group to lead overall reforms and appoint Xi as its leader, according to a decision adopted at the political bureau's meeting on Monday.

The group, which is expected to carry out the country's boldest reform proposals in more than three decades, is being positioned at the highest level, showing the leadership's resolve to smash the shackles of vested interests, analysts said.