Continuing down the reformist path best way to remember Li Keqiang
- China is all the poorer for the death of the ‘people’s premier’ Li Keqiang, who always showed his caring side even as he steered the nation through some of its most difficult moments
China is poorer for the loss of Li Keqiang, the former premier or No 2 to President Xi Jinping for 10 years, who has died after an apparent heart attack. The death at 68 of the man known as the “people’s premier” comes as a shock.
It coincides with a critical juncture in the affairs of a nation that relied on his economic knowledge and calm counsel.
Economic growth is at a crossroads. The ministers of defence and foreign affairs have been sacked without explanation just as the all important policy-setting third plenum looms.
Geopolitical tension is spreading. Uncertainty is palpable.
The untimely passing of the man who steered the world’s second-largest economy through a difficult period marked by the zero-tolerance response to the coronavirus pandemic, ballooning government debt and trade and political tensions with the United States will do nothing to lift the spirits.
Li and Xi made a formidable team, for which the Chinese people can be thankful. For they were different characters – Xi the big picture strategist and Li the softly spoken master of detail.
Both were groomed for leadership. When Xi became party general secretary in 2012, Li was picked as his No 2, ushering in an effective 10-year partnership.
Li came to be held in warm regard by people inside and outside China. He became known as the “people’s premier” because of a caring and warm touch.
For example, he was the first top Chinese leader to visit the medical workers in Wuhan in January 2020, immediately after the coronavirus outbreak.
A state media tribute highlighted his contribution to the Chinese economy and tireless effort to improve people’s livelihood, his support for Xi and the fight against corruption.
At the same time he was known as being very loyal to the Communist Party. Indeed, state media, after last year’s 20th party congress, praised the “noble character” and “sterling integrity” of officials, notably including Li, who retired a little ahead of the mandatory age to make way for younger cadres.
The description happened to echo Xi’s praise for former president Hu Jintao after he retired 10 years before.
Given the current geopolitical atmosphere, it is to be expected that Li’s death would prompt wild political speculation on social media. We live in an age of misinformation.
Li Keqiang: decades of diligence on China’s economic front lines
The best way to remember Li is for China to continue on a reformist path. For all his life Li basically worked towards China’s modernisation.
He was well regarded among Hong Kong delegates who met him annually at the “two sessions” of China’s parliament for consistently keeping in touch with local affairs. Li’s annual work reports always included a reference to the city’s progress amid the rapid development of the whole country.
