The change in the Chinese leadership for a new term of five years was formally initiated in China's Parliament, with a candidate namelist tabled with the Presidium of the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) Wednesday afternoon.

Entrusted by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi Jinping, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made explanations to the Presidium on the candidates for the State organs' top positions, including president, top lawmaker and premier.

Chaired by Wu Bangguo, Presidium executive chairman, Wednesday's meeting made a decision that the candidate namelist of the NPC Stand Committee chairperson, vice-chairpersons, secretary-general and members, as well as president and vice-president of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, will be presented to NPC delegations for discussion and consultation.

Xi said the namelist was proposed after a series of democratic recommendations, consultations in and outside the Communist Party of China. Relevant departments were also consulted on the candidates' integrity and performance of duty.

"Electing and appointing leaders of the State for a new term is one of the major tasks for this Session," Xi said. "The CPC Central Committee has set great store by recommendation of candidates for the State organ leaders, and has made an overall consideration when arranging the personnel reshuffle for the 17th CPC National Congress last October."

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2008)