China gives Tung senior position

Tung's performance in Hong Kong has been criticised

Tung Chee-hwa, who stepped down as Hong Kong's leader on Thursday, has been appointed to a senior position in China's top political advisory body.

Mr Tung is to be a vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference that advises parliament.

The move allows him a graceful exit after a turbulent time in Hong Kong, says the BBC's Chris Hogg in Hong Kong.

The Chinese government later accepted Mr Tung's resignation, allowing his deputy to take over in Hong Kong.

Donald Tsang will become acting chief executive until a permanent successor is elected, a job he is the favourite to secure.

'Saving face'

Mr Tung's appointment to the advisory body was approved by a vote of 2,065 to 21 from the CPPCC delegates at the closing session of the body's annual meeting at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. There were 20 abstentions.

Mr Tung, 67, sat alongside President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders for the vote.

Delegates broke into a long applause as the results were announced.

Donald Tsang will take over in Hong Kong on an acting basis

Mr Tung stood and gave a slight bow, then turned and shook hands with all the officials around him.

The CPPCC - a body representing China's non-communist groups - sits at the same time as the national parliament.

It does not make laws or appoint officials, but membership is highly sought after as an expression of closeness to the leadership in Beijing.

It offers prestige rather than power, says our correspondent.

Mr Tung was a member once before, but he stepped down after he became Hong Kong's leader in 1997.

He cited poor health for resigning as chief executive on Thursday, but many observers in Hong Kong believe that he was in fact sacked by the Chinese leadership.

He had faced growing unpopularity over failed plans for an anti-subversion bill and his continued support for Beijing in limiting democratic reforms.

His reappointment in a senior role allows him to save face, even though he is stepping down as chief executive two years before his term is due to end, says our Hong Kong correspondent.