Xi Jinping cements hold on power

Beijing

A LITTLE more than a year ago, analysts, political observers and high-ranking officials could do little more than guess who China's new leader was and where he would lead the world's second largest economy. Little was known of his political views or agenda.

One year on, Xi Jinping, who comes across as much more affable than his stern predecessor, has given few clues about his personality, but we have a much clearer picture of where he is taking China.