Chinese Communist Party chief Xi Jinping is expected to take the official title of president Thursday, in a formality that will complete his rise to power.
Xi will be given the largely symbolic position following an elaborate voting ceremony at a meeting of the National People's Congress. He already took over the more important posts of party secretary-general and head of China's top military body in November.
The 59-year-old is replacing Hu Jintao as part of a tightly managed power transfer that takes place every 10 years. Li Keqiang is expected to take over the position of prime minister at a ceremony on Friday.
Xi has vowed to revamp China's economy, reduce pollution and crack down on widespread corruption in the party ranks.
Xi will be given the largely symbolic position following an elaborate voting ceremony at a meeting of the National People's Congress. He already took over the more important posts of party secretary-general and head of China's top military body in November.
The 59-year-old is replacing Hu Jintao as part of a tightly managed power transfer that takes place every 10 years. Li Keqiang is expected to take over the position of prime minister at a ceremony on Friday.
Xi has vowed to revamp China's economy, reduce pollution and crack down on widespread corruption in the party ranks.