BEIJING - From an "educated youth" in the poor countryside to Party secretary of economically booming provinces and then to the position of vice-premier, Zhang Dejiang has made a steady advance into the top decision-making body of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

File photo taken on March 29, 2010 shows Zhang Dejiang (L, front) directs the rescue work at the site of the flooding accident of Wangjialing Coal Mine.[Photo/Xinhua]

Zhang, 66, was elected a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Nov 15.

He also serves as vice-premier of the State Council, where he is in charge of industry, transport, social security and other important sectors. In addition, he is director of the State Council Work Safety Committee.

Before his elevation to the top leadership in November, Zhang recently reshaped the image of Southwest China's metropolis of Chongqing, maintained its social stability and pushed its economic development as the municipality's Party secretary, a post he held between March and November this year.

"Governing for the people" has been the principle Zhang has abided by ever since he began his political career.

"No matter how high our cadres' posts are, we are still members of the general public. We must always bear the people in mind," he has said.