Xi takes China’s helm with many tough challenges

By Charles Hutzler

Published November 15, 2012 5:00am ET

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Xi takes China’s helm with many tough challenges — This combination of file photos from Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, shows new members of China's Politburo Standing Committee, from left to right, Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping, Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang, Shanghai party secretary Yu Zhengsheng, propaganda chief Liu Yunshan, Vice Premier Wang Qishan, and Tianjin party secretary Zhang Gaoli, at a press event held at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, Files) | Vincent Yu

BEIJING (AP) — Long-anointed successor Xi Jinping assumes the leadership of China at a time when the ruling Communist Party is confronting slower economic growth, a public clamor to end corruption and demands for change that threaten its hold on power.

The country’s political elite named Xi to the top party post on Thursday, and unexpectedly put him in charge of the military too, after a weeklong party congress and months of divisive bargaining.

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