‘A huge loss’: China’s Communist Party mourns death of Li Keqiang, praises former premier for achievements
- Official obituary of former leader hails his contributions to the economy, belt and road, poverty relief and his support for President Xi Jinping
- Li, who died in Shanghai on Friday after suffering a heart attack, stepped down from his post in March after serving two five-year terms
An official obituary published by state broadcaster CCTV on Friday night – almost 10 hours after the news of his death first broke – said Li’s death was “a huge loss” for the party and the state.
The obituary celebrated Li’s achievements in the Belt and Road Initiative and poverty relief, his support for the internet industry and his role in the fight against Covid-19.
The article praised him for his push for the belt and road, the strategy spearheaded by Xi aimed at trade and economic integration across Asia, Europe and Africa. He was also credited for his efforts to seek economic stability.
He dealt with challenges, including “accelerating world changes, the Covid-19 epidemic and the economic downturn”, the obituary said, but worked steadily and sought progress.
The obituary described most of his work during his premiership as done “under the leadership of the party with General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core”. It said Li’s support for Xi continued after the former premier’s retirement in March.
