The Chinese parliament on Saturday unanimously voted to hand President Xi Jinping a second term, while also appointing his former anti-corruption enforcer, Wang Qishan, as his deputy. This gives him a strong ally to consolidate power and handle US trade threats. The National Peoples Congress has widely expanded Xis already considerable authority during its annual session, adding his name to the constitution and lifting the two five-year term limit for the presidency and vice presidency. Xi received a standing ovation after winning all 2,970 votes for the presidency and Central Military Commission chairman. In 2013, Xi had received 2,952 votes, with one against and three abstentions, a 99.86 percent share. Only one delegate voted against Wangs appointment, with 2,969 in favor. Xi and Wang shook hands as the legislators heaped on applause. Xi, who leads the ruling 90 million-member Communist Party, was also reappointed as head of the government commission that commands the military. He is already head of an identical party body overseeing the 2 million-member force. As part of the package of constitutional amendments, Xi and Wang for the first time took the oath of office by pledging allegiance to the constitution. Xi put his left hand on a red-covered book containing the charter, and raised his right fist to take his vow. "I pledge loyalty to the constitution of the Peoples Republic of China" Xi recited, vowing to "strenuously struggle to build a rich, strong, democratic and civilized" country. Elevating Wang allows Xi to keep a formidable ally by his side, as Chinas most powerful leader since Mao Zedong cements his authority and sets his sights on a possible lifelong tenure -- a move that has drawn criticism online. Wang, 69, stepped down from the Communist Partys ruling council in October under informal retirement rules. But he has kept a prominent profile, sitting at the same table as the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee during the public sessions of the National Peoples Congress while receiving fervent applause from the delegates as he voted. Wangs appointment shows that "hes a really important political advisor," said Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at Kings College London. "Hes a very capable politician, so it makes sense he would still be around," Brown told AFP, noting that "it also shows were in an unconventional time in Chinese politics." Wang was at the frontline of Xis anti-corruption crusade, heading the partys Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, which has punished 1.5 million officials in the past five years, from low-level cadres to regional leaders and generals. He stepped down last year. Known internationally in his previous role as Chinas pointman on trade, Wang could help Xi deal with increasingly tense relations with the United States amid fears of a looming trade war, analysts say. Xis real power stems from his title as general secretary of the Communist Party, but analysts say Wang could provide extra heft to his presidency, even though the vice president has largely been a ceremonial post in the past. Xi is keeping Wang by his side because of his "talent and ability," according to Hua Po, an independent Chinese political commentator. "Choosing Wang as vice president is certainly to consolidate his power," Hua told AFP. "Xi is already a very powerful man. The problem is that he has too few people who are loyal and competent for his use, so he has to retain Wang and give himself more time to cultivate more talented people." Wang replaces Li Yuanchao, a relatively low-profile politician who has represented Xi on trips abroad. In his former position as vice premier, Wang periodically travelled to the United States, where then-president Barack Obama once gave the Chinese delegation a signed basketball. An "amazing" economist, he could now form a "dream team" with another member of the party leadership, Wang Yang, to deal with concerns that US President Donald Trump policies will trigger a trade war, Brown said. "Maybe theyll be able to come up with a solution for this massive brewing storm with America about imbalances and tariffs." Xi took office as president in 2013 and hasnt said how many additional five-year terms he intends to serve. State media has said the removal of term limits will not alter conditions for retirement or create a president in perpetuity, but has offered no details.