Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/18/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CHINA / NPC CLOSE (S)

NUMBER=2-300832

BYLINE=LETA HONG FINCHER

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: China's annual legislative meeting has ended with the country's most orderly transition of power in more than half a century. V-O-A Correspondent Leta Hong Fincher reports from Beijing the new leaders pledge to continue the country's modernization.

TEXT: Sixty-year-old Hu Jintao gave his first speech as China's new president Tuesday, promising to rejuvenate the Chinese nation and forge ahead with economic reforms.

///HU ACT IN CHINESE, EST. THEN FADE///

In a speech broadcast live across the nation, Mr. Hu told delegates at the close of this year's session of the National People's Congress that China's new generation of leaders is assuming power at a time when, as he put it, the "burdens of building the country are heavy."

Mr. Hu made few specific policy proposals, but gave lengthy praise to retired President Jiang Zemin. Mr. Jiang is staying on as head of China's military and is expected to continue wielding great influence over the government.

The new President also promised to work toward early reunification with rival Taiwan, by stepping up economic and cultural exchanges.

This leadership transition is considered the most orderly transfer of power since Communist rule began in 1949. (Signed)

NEB/HK/LHF/MAR