This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-64924440

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Li Qiang: China appoints Xi Jinping ally as premier Li Qiang: China appoints Xi Jinping ally as premier
(3 months later)
Li Qiang, left, is the former Communist Party leader of ShanghaiLi Qiang, left, is the former Communist Party leader of Shanghai
The man nominated as China's next premier by President Xi Jinping has been formally appointed by parliament.The man nominated as China's next premier by President Xi Jinping has been formally appointed by parliament.
Li Qiang, the former Communist Party leader of the country's biggest city of Shanghai, will now lead the government, replacing retiring Li Keqiang.Li Qiang, the former Communist Party leader of the country's biggest city of Shanghai, will now lead the government, replacing retiring Li Keqiang.
The 63-year-old received almost every vote from more than 2,900 delegates at the National People's Congress.The 63-year-old received almost every vote from more than 2,900 delegates at the National People's Congress.
A close ally of Mr Xi, he is seen as a pragmatist and will be tasked with reviving China's struggling economy.A close ally of Mr Xi, he is seen as a pragmatist and will be tasked with reviving China's struggling economy.
New ministerial appointments are expected to be announced on Sunday.New ministerial appointments are expected to be announced on Sunday.
No reporters were allowed in the room while ballots were cast during a meeting of China's rubber-stamp parliament. There was applause as Mr Xi cast his vote.No reporters were allowed in the room while ballots were cast during a meeting of China's rubber-stamp parliament. There was applause as Mr Xi cast his vote.
Mr Li - who is now the second-highest ranking official in China's political system - received a total of 2,936 votes, with just three delegates voting against his appointment and eight abstaining.Mr Li - who is now the second-highest ranking official in China's political system - received a total of 2,936 votes, with just three delegates voting against his appointment and eight abstaining.
He then took an oath, swearing to be loyal to China's constitution and to "work hard to build a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and great modern socialist country".He then took an oath, swearing to be loyal to China's constitution and to "work hard to build a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and great modern socialist country".
Mr Li was President Xi's chief of staff in the early 2000s, when Mr Xi was party chief of Zhejiang province. Mr Li was made party secretary of Shanghai in 2017.Mr Li was President Xi's chief of staff in the early 2000s, when Mr Xi was party chief of Zhejiang province. Mr Li was made party secretary of Shanghai in 2017.
During the pandemic, he oversaw Shanghai's strict lockdown, which led to some residents struggling to access food and medical care.During the pandemic, he oversaw Shanghai's strict lockdown, which led to some residents struggling to access food and medical care.
His appointment comes after Mr Xi secured a historic third term as president on Friday.His appointment comes after Mr Xi secured a historic third term as president on Friday.
The president has solidified his rule as China reopens from his bruising zero-Covid policy that has fuelled anti-government protests. The country is also facing a falling birth rate that threatens its economic growth engine.The president has solidified his rule as China reopens from his bruising zero-Covid policy that has fuelled anti-government protests. The country is also facing a falling birth rate that threatens its economic growth engine.
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.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.
Since Mao Zedong, leaders in China had been limited to two terms in office. When Mr Xi had this restriction changed in 2018, it transformed him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.Since Mao Zedong, leaders in China had been limited to two terms in office. When Mr Xi had this restriction changed in 2018, it transformed him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.
WATCH: Why China's president gets two teacups...in 59 secondsWATCH: Why China's president gets two teacups...in 59 seconds
WATCH: Why China's president gets two teacups...in 59 secondsWATCH: Why China's president gets two teacups...in 59 seconds
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Xi JinpingXi Jinping
China
ShanghaiShanghai
Communist Party of ChinaCommunist Party of China