A strong administrator and technocrat, Wen Jiabao is set to take over as premier and oversee the country’s economic reforms.

Once seen as self-effacing and uncharismatic, Mr Wen's fortunes have risen quickly. One Hong Kong commentator described him as the "most dazzling" of the vice-premiers under Jiang Zemin's leadership.

During a political career stretching back to 1965 Mr Wen has built a network of patrons.

He has served three Party leaders - from Hu Yaobang to Zhao Ziyang to Jiang Zemin.

According to Hong Kong weekly Yazhou Zhoukan, Mr Wen is respected by many Chinese leaders “due to his meticulous style of managing affairs" and "his administrative skills and focus on tangible results".

Outgoing Premier Zhu Rongji showed his esteem by entrusting Mr Wen with the task of overseeing agriculture, finance and environment policies.

These were considered crucial as China prepared to enter the World Trade Organisation.

Political 'survivor'

Things have not always been easy for Wen Jiabao, but he has always managed to bounce back.

Perhaps his most significant recovery was after 1989, when Mr Wen accompanied then-Party Secretary Zhao Ziyang to Tiananmen Square to visit the students on hunger strike.

Mr Zhao was purged from the party days later and has lived under house arrest in Beijing ever since.

Mr Wen, on the other hand, weathered the storm.

He was recently ranked the most popular member of the Communist Party Politburo in an online poll.

The former geologist is said to be a good communicator and a "man of the people".

During a visit to Britain in June 2000 he even found time to attend the Royal Highland Show and stop off at the Glenkinchie Distillery.