China's legislators on Sunday approved controversial constitutional changes which will technically allow Xi Jinping to remain president for the rest of his life, confirming his status as the country's strongest leader since Mao Zedong.

The move, which reinforces Mr Xi's grip on power as China prepares to retaliate against US President Donald Trump's steel tariffs, was supported by a clear majority of the 2963 members of the country's rubber stamp parliament as expected, state media reported. There were only votes against and three abstentions, according to media reports.