Chinese President Xi Jinping calls for renaissance

The new Chinese President, Xi Jinping, says he will fight for "the great renaissance of the Chinese nation.

He said this in his first speech as head of state, at the end of the annual National People's Congress.

He stressed that economic development would remain the ruling Communist's party's priority.

He also addressed the growing inequality gap and spoke about the need to tackle corruption.

President Xi also issued a warning to the country's military, saying it should improve its ability to "win battles and... firmly protect national sovereignty and security".

He adds that the speech represented a repackaging of ideas and policies that have been heard before. But its nationalistic tone will reinforce the view that he will pursue a more assertive foreign policy.

Reports say later on Sunday, Premier Li held his news conference with Chinese and Western media.

On foreign policy, Mr Li stressed on the importance of further developing relations with the US, despite remaining differences on a number of issues.

But Mr Li said that US-Chinese "common interests far outweigh our differences".

BBC NEWS