Xi Jinping set to emerge stronger to take over from Hu

China's new leader in waiting, Xi Jinping would have a head-start to emerge as the most influential leader, with outgoing president Hu Jintao having decided to step down from all posts including the all-powerful post of the military commission chief.

Xi, 59, currently the vice president would be formally nominated as the general secretary of the ruling Communist Party at the end of the ongoing 18th Communist Party Congress on its last day on 14 November.

Scotching speculation, Hu has decided to formally relinquish his position as military chief at the end of the party Congress, according to Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, which quoted officials to the effect.

Hu's decision comes as a surprise to not a few analysts given expectations he would keep the top job of the chairman of the Central Military Commission, especially after the recent reshuffling of military top brass, which was packed with officials who had worked closely with him.

Vice premier, Li Keqiang, 57 regarded as successor to premier Wen Jiabao is also his protege.

Xi is currently vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which has oversight across all aspects of 2.3-million strong military. Hu  who turns 70 next month, would step down as party chief and as president after the Congress on 14 November.