China's top communists met behind closed doors Oct. 16 at a key party congress that will reappoint the country's leadership and promote fresh faces into powerful positions.

The transition comes as China's economy continues to surge but amid rising anger over corruption, pollution and a wealth gap between the rural poor and the better-off populations in the coastal cities.

In a speech marking the opening of the once-every-five-years Communist Party Congress on Oct. 15, President and party leader Hu Jintao promised modest steps to reform the government, build up the military and expand social programs.