China's reformist central bank chief could be a tough act to follow

Wuhan

THROUGHOUT much of China's economic rise over the past three decades, one Chinese official quietly played a pivotal role in pushing an embrace of free markets.

That official, the urbane central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan, is widely expected to retire soon. His replacement may be unwilling or unable to follow in his footsteps, leaving uncertain whether China will tackle problems that could threaten its growth.