Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passes Away at 68

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passes Away at 68

Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Passes Away at 68

The former Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang, has sadly passed away at the age of 68 after suffering a heart attack, as reported by state media. Li, known for his reform-minded approach, once held promise as a future leader of China but was ultimately eclipsed by President Xi Jinping, serving as premier for a decade.

Li Keqiang’s Legacy and Career

During his tenure as premier, Li cultivated an image of a modern bureaucrat in contrast to some of his more traditional colleagues. Fluent in English, he voiced support for economic reforms and was known for his liberal tendencies in his youth. However, his reputation was tarnished by his handling of an HIV/AIDS epidemic stemming from a tainted blood donation program during his time as the party boss in Henan province. The response to this crisis involved a clampdown on activists and the media rather than assigning responsibility to officials, and other health scandals occurred during his time in national leadership.

Li Keqiang’s Background and Transformation

Li’s journey from being sent to the countryside during China’s Cultural Revolution to obtaining a law degree from Peking University reflected a significant transformation. In his youth, he embraced Western and liberal political theory, even translating a book on law by a British judge. However, as he entered officialdom in the mid-1980s, he became more orthodox, distancing himself from his former classmates who protested in Tiananmen Square in 1989. He rose through the ranks, holding key positions in Henan and Liaoning provinces and later serving as a deputy to then-Premier Wen Jiabao.

Challenges and Transition of Power

Li Keqiang’s time in office coincided with a shift in power in China, as President Xi Jinping consolidated authority. His tenure saw China’s economic growth slow from the heights of the 1990s and 2000s, with challenges ranging from a Covid-induced slowdown to a housing market crisis. His departure marked a transition towards a more centralized leadership under President Xi.

Li’s Lasting Influence

Li Keqiang was often seen as a last bastion of reason and heart in an ideological age. His legacy reflects a period of significant change and challenges in China’s political and economic landscape.

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