The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Beijing

Chinese President Hu Jintao was on Monday named as head of the ruling Communist Party for a second term, an endorsement for him to lead the country for five more years.

Hu, 64, was named as party general secretary and head of the elite Standing Committee of the Politburo, which is the most powerful political body in the country.

"We are keenly aware of our difficult task and grave responsibilities," Hu told reporters as the new leadership team appeared before the press.

"We will do our best to be worthy of the great trust the entire membership places in us."

Hu was also re-named by the Central Committee to a second term as chairman of the party's Central Military Commission, China's top military post.

The reappointments are seen as further institutionalising the party's leadership transition mechanism, which was often torn by in-fighting.

Since Hu's predecessor Jiang Zemin came to power following the crushing of the 1989 Tiananmen democracy protests, the party has sought to guarantee two five-year terms for top leaders.

Following his re-appointments as head of the party and military, Hu is widely expected to receive a second term as state president when parliament meets in March next year.

AP report adds: President Hu Jintao emerged politically stronger after the Communist Party announced a new leadership lineup Monday, giving him his second five-year term. But it also promoted two potential successors, a move that could spark a disruptive battle over who takes power in five years.

China on Monday unveiled a new leadership team expected to give President Hu Jintao a stronger hand in ruling the country for five more years while a successor is groomed to take over in 2012.

Hu, 64, was given a second term as head of the ruling Communist Party and the nation's armed forces, following more than a week of closed-door meetings in Beijing during which he worked to consolidate his grip on power.