Triumph and regret as Wen bows out

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao gave his last major political speech yesterday after overseeing a decade of blistering economic growth, but failing to close a yawning wealth gap or make major political reforms.
China's achievements during his tenure include its first manned spaceflight, developing the world's largest high-speed rail network, strengthening the military and hosting Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games.
As the country's top economic official, Wen oversaw years of double-digit growth that saw it overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy and a key player on the world stage.
But inequality grew during his tenure according to official statistics, despite his pledges to reduce the income gap between China's cities and the impoverished countryside. He also failed to transform the country's growth model, which has slowed in recent years and, analysts say, is dangerously reliant on investment and exports.
Wen started his career as a geologist in China's remote western provinces and worked his way up through Party ranks, to emerge as the public face of the government.
Avuncular and down-to-earth, he cultivated an image as a people's champion and won praise for his baby-hugging visits to victims of natural disasters, such as the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which killed at least 70,000 people.
Seen as a liberal within the Communist party the 70-year-old raised hopes of political reform in the Communist country.
Winding up his closing speech Wen struck a triumphant chord, vowing the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", to thunderous applause.