Xi Jinping is China’s new president

China, the world’s largest economy, completes second political succession since communist party took power.

18:15 14 March 2013

Xi Jinping was formally chosen as China’s new president today, completing the country’s second orderly political succession since 1949 when Communist Party took power. Li Yuanchao was selected vice-president.

China’s legislature appointed him with a ritual ballot at Beijing’s Hall of the People. Xi’s “triumph” isn’t exactly unexpected. The party elite had chosen him long before he took over. The new president will be in charge of promoting the “Chinese dream” that aims to move the poor into middle class over the coming decades.

As the new president of China, Xi is now expected to face several challenges in leading his country. The 59-year-old president pledged that he will fight the endemic graft and corruption. However, this will not be easy as graft is deeply ingrained in the party’s patronage-based culture.

Willy Lam, a China politics watcher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that the new president must walk the fine line. He added: 'If he were really serious about going after senior cadres, he might establish his authority within the rank and file. However, that would also jeopardize his relationship with the power blocs and with the holders of vested interests.'