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New leadership navigates China on right course

Senior officials have strong expertise, rich local-level experience, analysts say

© Press Office of National People's Congress

TASS, March 14. China has ushered in new leadership of its State bodies in accordance with the procedures of the annual session of the national legislature, fueling expectations that the new lineup will shore up the recovery of the world's second-largest economy and advance reform and opening-up amid global headwinds.

Upon nomination by President Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was endorsed as Chinese premier on Saturday morning at a plenary meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress. This was reported by the China Daily.

Xi, who was elected president by unanimous vote by the national legislature on Friday, signed a presidential order to officially appoint Li, who born in July 1959, as premier.

New leadership of the NPC Standing Committee, the top legislative body, and of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body, was also elected on Friday.

The NPC endorsed the nominations made by Premier Li on the appointments of four vice-premiers and five state councilors.

On Sunday, Xi also signed a presidential order to appoint senior officials, including the vice-premiers and the state councilors as well as ministers, governor of the central bank, auditor-general and secretary-general of the State Council.

Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, was appointed a vice-premier.

He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong, all members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, were also appointed vice-premiers.

Li Shangfu, Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, Shen Yiqin and Qin Gang, who is also foreign minister, were endorsed as state councilors.

Analysts said the new lineups of State bodies were characterized by their rich work experience at local levels and strong professional expertise, which will help them navigate the growth of the economy through various headwinds, including geopolitical tensions.

Veronika S. Saraswati, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the new Chinese government can elevate its economy well above the impact of COVID-19, and carry on with win-win solutions, which are much needed at a time when global development faces unilateralism and protectionism.

"China really focuses on research and development. That is why China's development is very scientific, which has even surpassed European countries," she said.

Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, secretary-general of the Pakistan China Friendship Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, said that China is expected to advance the Belt and Road Initiative, which will provide more opportunities for other economies.

Leonardus Jegho in Jakarta contributed to this story.

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