China Appoints New Premier and Judicial Authorities

The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China(Parliament) on Saturday appointed Li Qiang as prime minister and chose the new heads of the Supreme People's Court, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the anti-corruption commission.

During the penultimate day of its annual session, the lawmakers endorsed by a majority vote Li’s appointment as head of the State Council (Cabinet), from where he will manage the country’s economic affairs.

Li, 63, who joined the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s Politburo Standing Committee along with Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, now holds that post.

Li will hold a press briefing on Monday before domestic and foreign media about the Cabinet’s projections to accelerate recovery, boost growth, and overcome issues such as the challenges resulting from the low birth rate and aging population.

On Saturday, the legislature also voted Zhang Jun as president of the Supreme People’s Court, Ying Yong as prosecutor general of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and Liu Jinguo as director of the National Supervisory Commission, which oversees the country’s anti-corruption work.

The four officials swore allegiance to the Constitution, and President Xi Jinping signed the ordinance ratifying them in their respective posts.

The Parliament thus completed the renewal of top state officials after Xi was reelected China’s president and chairman of the Central Military Commission on Friday.