THE Chinese President Xi Jinping named him today Li Chiang63 years old, next prime minister of Chinaduring the ongoing work of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliament, meaning its staunch ally will largely take on the management of the world’s second-largest economy.

Mr Li, the former head of the Chinese Communist Party’s local branch in Shanghai — the country’s largest city — will replace Li Keqiang, who will retire after two five-year terms when parliament’s annual business ends the day after tomorrow. Monday.

Li Qiang was Xi Jinping’s chief of staff from 2004 to 2007, when the current head of state was still secretary of the local CCP organization in Zhejiang Province (east).

It was clear that he was headed to become China’s new premier since October, when his name was announced second in the lineup of the CCP’s Politburo Standing Committee at its 20th congress.

Xi Jinping is placing his people in key positions amid the most significant reshuffle of government, state and party machinery in a decade. The party’s general secretary and head of state is further consolidating his power after being elected to an unprecedented third term as president on Friday, while politicians seen as reform-minded are stepping down.