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This is an archive article published on March 16, 2003

It’s official, Hu is Chinese Prez

China's Parliament chose Communist Party chief Hu Jintao to succeed Jiang Zemin as President on Saturday, putting the formal seal of approva...

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China’s Parliament chose Communist Party chief Hu Jintao to succeed Jiang Zemin as President on Saturday, putting the formal seal of approval on a historic transition to a younger generation of leaders.

Jiang, who served a decade as President, was re-elected chairman of the Central Military Commission, China’s top military post, ensuring his influence in top decisions.

But, in a rare display of defiance at the largely rubber-stamp National People’s Congress, 7.5 per cent of lawmakers voted against him or abstained.

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As nearly 3,000 delegates applauded, Hu took several bows and shared a long handshake and warm smiles with Jiang in the Great Hall of the People.

Jiang’s chief protege, Zeng Qinghong, 63, a rocket scientist-turned-apparatchik, was elected Vice-President, although 12.5 per cent of deputies voted against him or abstained.

But there was virtually no opposition among legislators to Hu becoming President. He suffered just four no votes and three abstentions. Parliament chose another Jiang ally, Wu Bangguo, as its new chairman, with 2,918 votes for, 20 against and 12 abstentions. He replaces Li Peng.

Jiang is expected to have the final say in military and foreign affairs, even though Hu takes over as head of state.

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Vice Premier Wen Jiabao, 60, is set to take over Premier Zhu Rongji’s post on Sunday and will be in charge of the economy. (Reuters)

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