China's parliament, the National People's Congress, has concluded after almost nine days, where the country's president, Xi Jinping, was confirmed for a precedent-breaking third term.
Many prominent government positions were reshuffled, with Xi's allies, including Premier Li Qiang and Vice President Han Zheng, taking on key roles.
Xi stressed the importance of opposing pro-independence reforms in Taiwan and called for greater economic self-reliance during his closing speech.
China's parliament has appointed Xi Jinping as president for the third time and reshuffled many key government positions.
Almost 3,000 members of the National People's Congress unanimously voted for Xi in an election where there were no other candidates.
The top state roles went to current or former members of the elite Politburo Standing Committee, including Premier Li Qiang, NPC Chairperson Zhao Leji, Executive Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, and Vice President Han Zheng.
Xi called for greater economic self-reliance and the peaceful development of cross-strait relations with Taiwan during his closing speech.
Xi's supporters have been promoted to prominent positions, replacing rival political factions such as the Youth League, associated with former President Hu Jintao, former Premier Li Keqiang, and former Vice Premier Wang Yang.
Greater Party control over the government apparatus means that Xi will be able to bring the state even more under his personal control, said Connor Swank, an analyst at the Center for Advanced China Research.
While Xi's strengthening grip on power has raised concerns about human rights and censorship, others have praised his leadership.
The Guardian suggests that Xi has become China's most powerful leader in generations and called for peaceful development, while the Al Jazeera highlights Xi's record of sidelining rival groups and promoting loyalists to key positions.