China's former top official in Shanghai, Li Qiang, has been appointed as the Premier of China at the annual parliament.
He will head the State Council, leading a new team of top officials to be picked on Sunday, as President Xi Jinping begins his third term in office.
Li is tasked with steering the post-pandemic economy.
China's annual rubber-stamp parliament appointed Li Qiang as the country's Premier.
Li is now the second-in-command after President Xi Jinping, and his role is to lead the State Council, the country's chief administrative organ.
Li's responsibilities include steering the post-pandemic economy.
Nikkei Asia reports that Li is a "hardworking, loyal official who understands the need for economic reform and innovation.
", and had a track record of success in Shanghai.
In contrast, Al Jazeera reports that Li's appointment is part of President Xi's ongoing efforts to centralize power in his own hands.
The decision to appoint Li comes amid growing challenges, including the pandemic and economic uncertainty.
The new team of top officials that Li will lead will be picked on Sunday before the National People's Congress concludes on Monday.
Li is expected to focus on measures to boost China's economy, with trade tensions and supply chain issues among the key challenges that lie ahead.