China's political sphere was shaken with the sudden demise of its former Premier Li Keqiang. The state broadcaster, CCTV, confirmed on Friday that Li succumbed to a heart attack during his rest in Shanghai, a day earlier. His death occurred shortly after midnight on October 27.
Having served as the head of China's cabinet for a significant decade from 2013 to 2023 under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang's role in shaping China's economic and political journey cannot be understated. Before his retirement this past March, he was succeeded by Li Qiang in his role as Premier.
Born to an official in Anhui, one of China's more financially challenged provinces, Li's rise to prominence is a testament to his capabilities and dedication. His early political career saw him actively involved in the Communist Youth League. By 1998, Li made headlines as the country's youngest governor, serving the populous province of Henan. This achievement was soon followed by his tenure as the party secretary of Henan, and subsequently, he led the northern province of Liaoning.
His acumen for economic development and macroeconomic management was soon recognized on a national scale. From 2008 to 2013, he served as a vice-premier under the former premier Wen Jiabao, shaping the nation's economic trajectory.
Interestingly, Li's educational background from the esteemed Peking University, where he pursued economics, played an influential role in his political journey. His expertise and insights on China's economic disparities came to the fore when he remarked in 2020 about the challenges faced by over 600 million Chinese citizens earning less than $140 per month. This statement sparked nationwide discussions on poverty and the growing income inequality in the country.
While Li Keqiang's prowess and capabilities had him earmarked as a potential successor to then-leader Hu Jintao for the presidency, the political mantle was eventually passed to Xi Jinping in 2012. Over the years, Li found himself navigating a complex political landscape, with some observing him being overshadowed by President Xi's increasingly centralized power.
However, Li's passing away has created a void in the Chinese political fabric. The state broadcaster CCTV mentioned that a more detailed obituary is forthcoming, reflecting on the significant contributions of a leader who played a pivotal role in China's modern history.
