China's economic tsar, Liu He, a U.S.-trained economist who is seen as the brains behind earlier reforms, will be replaced by He Lifeng, another Xi acolyte. "We face the problem of weakening expectations and confidence and it's empty talk if we cannot revitalise the economy," Jia said. China's economic miracle started in 1978 when Deng Xiaoping kicked off historic reforms, allowing more private enterprises and opening the economy to foreign investment. The poll showed China's growth could pick up to 5.0% in 2023, helped by a lower base. Xi's Standing Committee choices disappointed investors who had been hoping he would keep some reform-minded officials, including former Guangdong party boss Wang Yang.

---