With its characteristically stolid brand of political theatre, China’s Communist party on Monday unveiled a new leadership line-up featuring the two high-flying party members who are favourites to take the nation’s reins in five years’ time.

In a carefully choreographed media appearance following the close of the party’s five-yearly congress, Hu Jintao, Chinese president and party chief, highlighted the appointment of Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang to the ruling politburo standing committee.