China's parliament formally elected heir-in-waiting Xi Jinping as the country's new president today, succeeding Hu Jintao, putting the final seal of approval on a generational transition of power.
The largely rubber stamp National People's Congress chose Mr Xi in a tightly scripted ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Mr Xi was appointed party and military chief - where real power lies - in November.
He made a landmark visit to Ireland last year to discuss tourism, trade and other issues and later hosted Taoiseach Enda Kenny on a four-day official visit to China at the head of a large trade delegation.
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Reuters