China appoints a new President

The Chinese president, Xi Jinping (right), shakes hands with the newly-confirmed premier, Li Keqiang. Photograph: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Marking different leadership style from his predecessor, and characterizing more down-to-earth nature, the National People’s Congress (NPC) delegates cast their vote for Communist Party of China’s (CPC) General Secretary Xi Jinping. 

Out of NPC’s 2963 delegates, 2956 were present. While 2952 voting was casted for Mr. Xi, one vote was recorded against him and the remaining three representatives did not cast their vote. 

After the results were announced, Mr. Xi bowed before the Congress and shook the hand with his predecessor Hu Jintao, whose tenure in the office saw an unusual rise in China’s economy. 

Mr. Xi was appointed as the CPC’s General Secretary by National People’s Congress in November. He is however known for launching a high profile campaign against government waste and extravagance. 

His appointment as President has led to rising expectations that the new government will be bolder in holding political and economic reforms. Mr. Xi, the successor of Hu Jintao, will face more challenges from corruption in the party, environmental pollution and rising inequality.