Chinese Communist Party chief Xi Jinping is expected to take the official title of president Thursday, in a formality that will complete his rise to power.
Xi will be given the largely symbolic position following an elaborate voting ceremony at a meeting of the National People's Congress. He already took over the more important posts of party secretary-general and head of China's top military body in November.
The 59-year-old is replacing Hu Jintao as part of a tightly managed power transfer that takes place every 10 years. Li Keqiang is expected to take over the position of prime minister at a ceremony on Friday.
Xi has vowed to revamp China's economy, reduce pollution and crack down on widespread corruption in the party ranks.