On 15 March 2013, Li Keqiang was, as expected, elected by the 12th National People's Congress as Premier.
At the same Congress, Party General Secretary Xi Jinping was elected President.
Li replaced Wen Jiabao, who retired after serving two terms as premier.
Of the nearly 3,000 legislators assembled at the Congress, 2,940 voted for him, three against, and six abstained.
He was elected for a five-year term, but was expected to serve two terms like his predecessor Wen.

On 16 March, the Congress selected Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong, Wang Yang, and Ma Kai as vice premiers following their respective nominations from Li Keqiang.
He gave his first major speech 17 March at the conclusion of the National People's Congress, calling for frugality in government, a fairer distribution of income and continued economic reform.
Li has focused his attention on China to move towards a consumption based economy instead of relying on export led growth.
Li was ranked 14th of the 2013 Forbes Magazine's List of The World's Most Powerful People, after taking the office of Chinese Premier.
On 15 March 2013, Li Keqiang was, as expected, elected by the 12th National People's Congress as Premier. At the same Congress, Party General Secretary Xi Jinping was elected President. Li replaced Wen Jiabao, who retired after serving two terms as premier. Of the nearly 3,000 legislators assembled at the Congress, 2,940 voted for him, three against, and six abstained. He was elected for a five-year term, but was expected to serve two terms like his predecessor Wen.
On 16 March, the Congress selected Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong, Wang Yang, and Ma Kai as vice premiers following their respective nominations from Li Keqiang. He gave his first major speech 17 March at the conclusion of the National People's Congress, calling for frugality in government, a fairer distribution of income and continued economic reform. Li has focused his attention on China to move towards a consumption based economy instead of relying on export led growth. Li was ranked 14th of the 2013 Forbes Magazine's List of The World's Most Powerful People, after taking the office of Chinese Premier.
Li Keqiang