Xi Jinping heads line-up of China’s new leaders

Xi Jinping has been confirmed as the man chosen to lead China for the next decade.

Mr Xi led the new Politburo Standing Committee out onto the stage at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, signalling his elevation to the top of China’s ruling Communist Party.

He replaces Hu Jintao, under whose administration China has seen a decade of extraordinary growth.

The move marks the official passing of power from one generation to the next.

Mr Xi was followed by Li Keqiang, the man set to succeed Premier Wen Jiabao, and five other men – meaning that the size of the Standing Committee had been reduced from nine to seven.

Those five, in order of seniority, were Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang, Shanghai party boss Yu Zhengsheng, propaganda chief Liu Yunshan, Vice-Premier Wang Qishan and Tianjin party boss Zhang Gaoli.

BBC