(XINHUA)

Zhou Xiaochuan, China's central bank governor, was voted, although not unanimously, by the National People's Congress deputies to extend his tenure on March 16, making him the longest-serving official for that position.

Under his watch, China has successfully steered the four state-owned banks from the brink of bankruptcy into listed commercial lenders, loosened the reins on its currency and accelerated the opening up of its capital accounts.

At a press conference held on March 13, 65-year-old Zhou said the priority this year is to guard against inflation and the country should be on high alert for rising prices.