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While Hu Jintao's appointment was expected, the line-up which finally emerged from behind the carved wooden screen of the Great Hall of the People had been expanded to nine members from the previous seven.

Our correspondent says the increase reflects behind-the-scenes horse-trading, as key members of the out-going leadership shoe-horned in protégés and supporters.

The new line-up was ranked by party seniority. But analysts expect the two most important figures - alongside Mr Hu - to be Zeng Qinghong and Wen Jiabao.

Mr Zeng is Mr Jiang's closest adviser and henchman and is likely to lead the so-called Jiang faction.

Mr Wen, a technocrat, is expected to take over the running of the economy.

Jiang's influence

Mr Jiang's continuing influence is likely to protect his legacy and family interests. It should also mean that few of the country's policies change, at least not until the new line-up is established.

Little is known about Mr Hu, 59, who has taken care to promote Mr Jiang's views rather than hint at his own.

He is seen as a symbol of a generation of younger, better-educated Chinese leaders who will encourage business entrepreneurs whilst trying to guard against social instability. Meaningful political reform looks very unlikely.

"We firmly believe China's tomorrow will surely be better," Mr Hu told the assembled reporters, grinning broadly.

"We will live up to the great trust of the entire party and the expectations of people across the country," he said.

He also credited Mr Jiang for laying the groundwork for his leadership and the party's future.

In his final speech as Communist Party chief on Thursday, Jiang Zemin hailed the leadership change, saying the party was realising a smooth transition from the old to the new.

But our correspondent says that this is in fact only a partial transition. Jiang Zemin looks very unlikely to disappear from China's political scene.