Xi well aware of needs of the grassroots

Born into the family of a former vice-premier but tempered by hardships in the countryside, Xi Jinping made his way from village head to State leader.

Xi, 54, was elected vice-president of the People's Republic of China on Saturday, five months after he was promoted to the nine-member Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Party's top decision-making body. His predecessor is 68-year-old Zeng Qinghong.

Xi also takes charge of Party affairs and the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, Hong Kong and Macao affairs, and a top-level leading group for the preparations of the Beijing Olympics and Paralymics.