China’s President Xi Jinping has secured his historic third term in office, following his reappointment by the country’s parliament.
It follows a consolidation of power that has made Mr Xi, 69, China’s most dominant leader in generations.
In the Chinese system of governance, the functions of the president are largely ceremonial.
Mr Xi’s power comes from him being General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
Confirmation of his third term as president had been widely expected. The naming of a new premier and various ministers in the coming days is considered more important.
The new appointees are all expected to be Xi Jinping loyalists. This includes Li Qiang, who is tipped to serve as Mr Xi’s number two.
Mr Xi has solidified his rule as China reopens from his bruising zero-Covid policy that has fuelled anti-government protests.
The so-called Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) this week is closely watched as it provides a glimpse into China’s direction in the coming years.
Xi’s elimination of term limits in 2018 was a significant turning point, transforming him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.
