President pledges to fight against corruption

In his speech closing the first session of the 12th National People's Congress in Beijing, Mr Xi promised to listen to the voice of the people.

"We must make persistent efforts, press ahead with indomitable will, continue to push forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics," he said.

Mr Xi was elected as president by the 3,000 delegates on Thursday replacing Hu Jintao.

Responding to corruption and abuse of power scandals in recent years, Mr Xi called on deputies to "preserve the political integrity of communists."

He said: "We must uphold the principle that the party was founded for the public good and that it exercises state power for the people.

Communists must "strengthen the ability to resist corruption, prevent degeneration and ward off risks," he added.

Newly-elected Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the success of China's economic policies.

The reforms "have lifted hundreds of millions of peasants out of poverty and it has changed the life course of many individuals, including me," he told a press conference.

He also echoed Mr Xi's anti-corruption calls, saying he welcomed greater societal and media supervision of government.

He also alluded to criticisms of senior Communist Party officials who have amassed significant personal wealth, saying: "Since we have chosen government service we should give up the thought of making money."

Mr Li pledged to tackle growing environmental and food safety problems with "iron fist and firm resolution."

Thick smogs have engulfed Beijing recently and more than 12,000 dead pigs from the Huangpu near Shanghai.

He said the government will set deadlines to tackle pollution problems.

Mr Li added that the "most important" aim of the newly elected cabinet was continuous economic growth to better meet the challenges facing the Chinese people and environment.