China prepares for generational change

The Communist Party of China’s 18th National Congress opens in Beijing amid calls to push forward political and economic reforms. Photos: AP

Delegates attend the opening session of 18th Communist Party Congress.

Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping (top left), walks past Chinese President Hu Jintao (seated left) and former President Jiang Zemin (seated right), during the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress in Beijing.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his predecessor Jiang Zemin applaud at the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress.

People walk past a TV screen at the Beijing Railway Station, showing a live broadcast of the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress.

Delegates bow in silence in remembrance of the late leaders during the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress.

Children play near a slogan which reads "Unservingly push forward the great cause of reform and opening up" displayed on Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

Attendants pose for a picture in front of the Great Hall of the People before the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress in Beijing.

Chinese delegates in their traditional costumes leave the Great Hall of the People after the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress in Beijing.

A delegate wears a model worker sash outside the Great Hall of the People after the opening session of the 18th Communist Party Congress in Beijing.