Mr Xi takes another step towards cementing his status as China's future president and party chief on Saturday, when the communist-dominated legislature is expected to appoint him vice-president. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Mr Xi Jinping has met visiting foreign statesmen and has been shown on television inspecting Olympic venues and consoling people caught in central China's winter storms - publicity that counters the normally low-key role assumed by past leaders-in-waiting.

On Saturday, Mr Xi takes another step towards cementing his status as China's future president and party chief, when the communist-dominated legislature is expected to appoint him vice-president, a largely ceremonial role.

China experts say that only a major fumble could wreck Mr Xi's ascent.

'I think he is very much on track,' said Mr Joseph Cheng, head of Hong Kong City University's Contemporary China Research Center.

'People sort of accept him. And of course those who oppose simply have to wait until he's done something wrong.'

Despite that acceptance, Mr Xi is likely to need all his political skills to make it to 2012, when President Hu Jintao is expected to step down.

His connections and the glitz surrounding Mr Xi and his wife have been sources of quiet grumbling among some midlevel government officials who want to see merit-based promotions in the party.

The son of a revolutionary and party insider, the 54-year-old Xi (pronounced 'She') is considered a 'princeling' whose path in politics has been smoothed through family connections. While most recent leaders have kept their families out of the limelight, Mr Xi's wife, Ms Peng Liyuan, is a singer of patriotic ballads with the People's Liberation Army arts troupe and a staple on state television variety shows.

Mr Xi isn't likely to get much help from Mr Hu.

He was not considered Mr Hu's first choice as successor, but was forced on the president by other party power-brokers as a compromise candidate ahead of a party meeting last October.

'Xi can't afford to take anything for granted. The heir apparent will have to prove himself - at least by not making any major mistake while serving the apprenticeship,' said professor of Chinese studies Steve Tsang of England's Oxford University.

Still, Mr Xi has solid credentials as an able administrator and supporter of free-market reforms. He ran two economically vibrant coastal provinces before being named by the party to lead thriving Shanghai last spring following his predecessor's ouster in a graft scandal.

Mr Xi's promotion to the No. 6 position in the party Politburo was seen as an affirmation of his accomplishments, as well as his connections.

Since then, Mr Xi has taken charge of the party organisation and personnel portfolios, which Mr Hu held in the 1990s as he bided his time on his rise to the top.

His appointment last month to oversee preparations for August's Beijing Olympics cast him into a high-stakes post.

The vice-presidency, though devoid of real power, also will allow Mr Xi to nudge his profile higher. The position offers a chance to travel, meet foreign dignitaries, and preside at state occasions.

Like all would-be successors in rank-conscious China, Mr Xi is careful to talk up his boss, telling officials in meetings to study Mr Hu's speeches and follow his orders to boost social services and spread the benefits of rapid economic growth more broadly.

While the two men appear cordial in public, Mr Hu is believed to favour the party's seventh ranking official, Mr Li Keqiang, to succeed him. Mr Li has failed to receive the same level of support as Mr Xi from ranking cadres.

City University's Cheng said Mr Hu will likely go with the consensus, rather than take on other powerful politicians. But Mr Hu will continue promoting supporters to leading positions to ensure his continued influence - and to be ready if Mr Xi slips up.

'Even if you don't like him, Mr Cheng said, 'it is very unpopular to try to make things difficult for him at this juncture.' -- AP