Beijing, Nov 16 (IANS): China is entering a golden age and there will be "a passion for reform in every field", said a state-run daily Friday, a day after the country witnessed a smooth transition of power.

China's new leader Xi Jinping in his speech Thursday said the country's goal is to fulfill people's expectations for a better life.

"His speeches on China's problems, especially on corruption, have displayed the sober mind and sincerity of the new leadership and enhanced public's confidence to deal with China's difficulties," said an article in Global Times.

It said President Hu Jintao no longer serves as the chairman of the CPC Central Military Committee. "This consolidates the success of the leadership transition and further institutionalizes the system."

Noting that the results of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) have strongly impressed global public opinion, the daily said: "Optimism over China's future is prevailing. China is entering a golden age with rising social confidence and solidarity. There will be a passion for reform in every field and mobilizing these will help China take the next step."

It believed that the new CPC Central Committee has "a broad strategic vision as well as the required persistence to solve problems".

The article also hoped the new Central Committee can "display the courage needed to advance reform, particularly on curbing corruption".

"Continuous reform and development can secure the country's stability in the long run."

It went on to say that reform is the consensus of the country at every level.

"The pace at which to progress with reform forward depends on the will to change, but relies more on the material accumulation and support of the surrounding environment.

"We are at an encouraging starting point. Let us move on to carry out the dreams of several generations of Chinese people," it added.