Xi Jinping Becomes China's President

China`s National People`s Congress has voted to elect Xi Jinping as the country`s next president. The largely ceremonial procedure marks the completion of China’s once in a decade leadership transition that began late last year. Over the past few months, Mr. Xi and China’s new team of leaders have been raising expectations here about the prospects for reform in this tightly ruled country.

In the space of just a few hours - representatives to China’s National People’s Congress voted unswervingly in support of Xi Jinping’s election to the post of president. Only one opposing vote was cast as well as three abstentions.

The result of the vote was never in doubt and there was an almost festive mood in China’s Great Hall of the People. Many delegates snapped photos of themselves while they were casting votes. Others sought Xi Jinping`s autograph - as well as the autograph of the man tipped to become the country’s next premier Li Keqiang.

Li’s vote will be held Friday and there is little doubt of what the outcome of that election will be.

Thursday, March 14, 2013