The U.S. and Chinese economies are closely intertwined. When China's economy is strong, ours can prosper as well. When China's economy falters, the American economy also suffers. We share many common challenges that neither side can address alone, such as the battle to combat global climate change, which already impacts both of our nations. Our fates are connected.

The reform programs that Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) are aimed at preparing China for the next phase of development and transforming the Chinese growth model. They are domestic programs, but China's success or failure at making this domestic reform transition has great implications for us as well. One question that often arises in the United States is whether or not Xi and other current Chinese leaders will keep a steady hand and maintain their ambitious reform path when difficulties emerge, such as a potential economic slowdown. From an outside perspective, we hope to see strength of resolve, which will be needed to bring the Chinese economy and society to a new level of development.

I interpret the Four Comprehensives as a signal that the Chinese leadership is determined to maintain a forward path concerning these four objectives and to keep moving forward until all critical goals are achieved, even if the seas become rough at times. From my perspective as a foreign observer, that is a positive signal.

The author is director of China policy at the Center for American Progress, the United States