Xi Jinping handed unprecedented third term as China’s president

Coronation sets up Xi, who has overseen consolidation of power, to become modern China's longest-serving head of state

Xi Jinping has been handed an unprecedented third term as president, capping an ascent in which he has become China's most powerful leader in generations.

In a carefully choreographed ceremony in Beijing, Xi held up his right fist and placed his left hand on a red leather copy of China's constitution. In the oath - beamed live on state television across China - he vowed to build a prosperous, strong, democratic, civilised, harmonious and great modern socialist country".