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Mixed reviews as Li Keqiang takes centre stage as China's new premier

New premier steers clear of sensitive topics in first press conference, devoid of Wen's trademark poetry and sentiment

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Li Keqiang addresses his first news conference as premier yesterday in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Simon Song

In his first press conference as premier yesterday, Li Keqiang showed a style that starkly contrasted his predecessor, Wen Jiabao, with almost no references to poetry or any sentimental remarks.

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The performance gained Li mixed reviews among critics and internet users, with some saying that they preferred his down-to-earth manner to Wen's more florid style, while others said Li's remarks were "flat" and avoided touching on sensitive issues.

Li kicked off the two-hour press conference by vowing that he would remain loyal to the constitution.

He also did not recite any classical Chinese works, which Wen often referenced to describe his personal feelings.

The most notable remark by Li in summing up his philosophy was: "Follow the great way, put the people first and benefit everyone." It is a line he said he has learned through life experience.

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In his final press conference as premier last year, Wen recited a line by Lin Zexu, an official from the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), to wrap up his political career.

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