Greeted by rapturous rounds of applause, Xi led Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi onto a red-carpeted stage at the Great Hall of the People.

They are members of the newly-elected Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

According to the Party Constitution, the highest leading bodies of the Party are the National Congress and the Central Committee which it elects. Between plenary sessions of the Central Committee, the Political Bureau and its Standing Committee shall exercise the functions and powers of the Central Committee.

The 20th CPC Central Committee was elected Saturday at the closing session of the 20th CPC National Congress.