China parliament formally elects Xi Jinping president

National People’s Congress puts final seal of approval on generational transition of power

China's vice premier Li Keqiang talks with China's newly-elected president Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters
China's vice premier Li Keqiang talks with China's newly-elected president Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing today. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters

China's parliament formally elected heir-in-waiting Xi Jinping as the country's new president today, succeeding Hu Jintao, putting the final seal of approval on a generational transition of power.

The largely rubber stamp National People's Congress chose Mr Xi in a tightly scripted ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Mr Xi was appointed party and military chief - where real power lies - in November.

He made a landmark visit to Ireland last year to discuss tourism, trade and other issues and later hosted Taoiseach Enda Kenny on a four-day official visit to China at the head of a large trade delegation.

READ MORE

Reuters