Xi appointed new CPC chief; to replace Hu as Prez in March

Beijing, Nov 15 : Xi Jinping was today appointed the new  General Secretary of China’s ruling CPC in a smooth power transition  that ushered in a fifth generation of leaders to steer the world’s  second largest economy over the next decade, ending the 10-year reign of  President Hu Jintao.     59-year-old Xi, who was the Vice President  till now, will replace Hu as President in March, while Li Keqiang, 57,  will succeed Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.     Xi was also named the chief of the 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest standing military, allowing the new leader to have a free hand in running the most populous nation. The chhange has been smooth and orderly.