Beijing, Nov 16 (IANS): The hassle-free power transition in China, which saw Xi Jinping become the new leader, comes as no surprise, said experts with one describing it as a "great step forward in political civilization".

Xi, 59, was Thursday elected the powerful general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) along with an all-powerful seven-member Standing Committee of the new Political Bureau.

Zhang Xixian, a professor with the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the final result of the long-speculated line-up of the new leadership was not a surprise.

He added that they gave an impression of being moderate and ready for action.

"This generation of leaders was sent to the countryside as 'educated youth' during the Mao era, and they know the troubles and needs of grassroots people," Zhang told the Global Times.

"On the other hand, they are old enough to be familiar with the party's traditional beliefs, they can inherit the traditions and seek out innovation," he was qouted as saying.

He noted that Xi's matter-of-fact approach gave the public a lot of confidence.

Huang Weiping, another expert, said the leadership reshuffle went ahead smoothly and the pleasant surprise that Hu Jintao did not hold onto military power for a few years after handing over the party leadership.

"It's a great step forward in political civilization," said Huang who is director of the Institute of Contemporary Chinese Politics Research at Shenzhen University.

"The new Party leader now commands the military, not the other way around. It meets the standards of a modern country that aims at the rule of law," he added.

Huang observed that it was not to be easy for the new leadership to satisfy its people, "as the younger generation grew up after the country started reform and opening-up".

"Their wider vision and more complex pursuit for a better life will bring greater challenges to the ruling party," said Huang.