The strong rally of stock markets is more than a warm welcome to the promise of sweeping reforms Chinese leaders have announced.

The Shanghai Composite Index jumped by 2.87 percent to 2,197 points on Monday, amid rising optimism that the top leadership's reform pledges will bring about investment opportunities and sound returns for many listed companies. This optimism was echoed by other stock markets in Asia.

The Shanghai rally also represents an urgent call by Chinese investors for a better functioning and rewarding stock market.