Xi Jinping led the new Politburo Standing Committee out onto the stage at the National People's Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, signalling his elevation to the top of China's ruling Communist Party and the man set to lead the country for the next ten years.
He replaces Hu Jintao, under whose administration China has seen a decade of extraordinary growth.
The move marks the official passing of power from one generation to the next.
Mr Xi was followed by Li Keqiang, the man set to succeed Premier Wen Jiabao, and five other men - meaning that the size of the Standing Committee had been reduced from nine to seven.
