Editorial | 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.
