BEIJING, Nov 14: China’s ruling Communist Party closed a pivotal congress on Wednesday that put Vice President Xi Jinping a step closer to taking power for the next decade in a landmark transition.

The week-long Communist Party gathering in the cavernous Great Hall of the People ended after its 2,200 delegates from around the country selected a new Central Committee of 205 party members.

Mr Xi was renamed to the committee, a widely expected development that was singled out by the state media, suggesting he was firmly positioned to be announced as the party’s top leader on Thursday.

The week-long forum ended with a show of unity by the delegates in the vast red-draped hall, who stood before hearing a rendition of the “Internationale,” a socialist anthem.

The last word went to President Hu Jintao, who had opened the meeting with an address warning that the party faces `collapse’ if it cannot halt the rampant corruption that has undermined its legitimacy.

“I now announce that the 18th Chinese Communist Party Congress has come to a victorious conclusion,” said Mr Hu, the outgoing party leader. “The congress has elected a new central committee of the party and replaced older leaders with younger ones.”

The party did not immediately release the full Central Committee list but state news agency Xinhua reported the appointments of a number of officials from each of the two main factions believed jockeying for power.

They included several tipped for further promotion to the powerful Politburo Standing Committee, China’s highest decision-making body which currently has nine members but could be slimmed to seven.

The elite committee is expected to be headed by Mr Xi, with second place going to Vice Premier Li Keqiang who is slated to become premier in March.

However, analysts said only the make-up and pecking order of the standing committee – which will be revealed on Thursday when members walk out before the media – will provide certainty about the factional outcome.

In one corner is octogenarian former president Jiang Zemin, who is seen as a kingmaker after making a surprise political comeback, while the other faction comprises Mr Hu’s allies.

Mr Xi is seen as a consensus figure who leans towards Mr Jiang, while Mr Li is considered to be in Mr Hu’s faction.

Analysts say that despite rivalries between the camps which are largely divided on patronage lines, they broadly agree China must reposition its economy away from a dependence on exports, while maintaining a firm hand on dissent.

Mr Xi’s ascension has been expected since 2007, when he was given a position on the standing committee. That indicated his status as heir apparent to Mr Hu, who officially relinquishes party control this week.

Mr Xi is expected to succeed Mr Hu as the country’s president next March. He will take over at a time when China’s powerhouse economy is suffering a rare slowdown.

Leaders also face localised unrest across China, typically sparked by public rage at corruption, government abuses or the myriad manifestations of anger from the millions left out of the country’s newfound prosperity.—AFP