China's Xi Jinping secures a historic third term in power

Xi Jinping has been confirmed as leader of China for an unprecedented third term, after a week-long congress boosted his political power.

No Chinese leader has served more than two terms since Mao Zedong.

After announcing his third term, Xi addressed the media to introduce his new leadership team, saying that the party yesterday successfully concluded its congress, "holding high our banner, pulling together our strength and forging ahead in unity".

He also noted that the international community had been following the congress "with great interest" and heads of state had sent congratulatory messages and letter, and he thanked all of them.

He then introduced his new line-up in the Politburo standing committee, adding "they are all quite familiar to you".

Xi went on to thank the party "for the trust you have placed in us", and says the country has achieved its goal of establishing a "moderately prosperous society".

"Now we are taking confident strides on a new journey to turn China into a modern socialist country in all respects. To advance to the second centenary goal and to embrace the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, for a Chinese path to modernisation," he said.

He said the country would continue to build a modern socialist society, "a great yet enormous undertaking... the enormity is what makes it great and infinitely glorious".

The speech also offered an important clue about the direction in which Xi might take China - there has been growing fear that the country is closing off from the world economy.

But Xi said, "China cannot develop without the world, and the world also needs China".

"After more than 40 years of unflagging efforts towards reform and opening up, we have created two miracles - rapid economic development and long-term social stability."

- BBC