China's Hu takes overall control

Hu Jintao became state president in 2003

The Chinese parliament, the National People's Congress, has approved President Hu Jintao as the official head of the military.

Mr Hu replaces the previous President, Jiang Zemin, as chairman of the state Central Military Commission.

Mr Hu's appointment to the largely ceremonial post completes the transfer of leadership from Mr Jiang.

He now holds all top positions within the Communist Party, the military and the Chinese state.

As results of the near unanimous vote were announced in the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing, delegates applauded and Mr Hu stood and bowed.

"I think this really reflects popular feeling in the country," Guangxi delegate Li Yuan said after the secret ballot vote.

The congress is due to finish its annual gathering on Monday.

Hu, 62, took over from Mr Jiang, 78, as state president in 2003.