Li Keqiang Death: What Killed Li Keqiang?
Is li Keqiang Death: What Killed Li Keqiang really worth exploring? Uncover the full picture below.
Li Keqiang died at 68 on Friday, October 27, 2023. The Chinese economist passed away 10 minutes after midnight (12:10) from a sudden heart attack while he was in Shanghai on a holiday.
His death comes less than a year after stepping down from his post as the country’s second-highest-ranking leader.
Li was once tipped to be the country’s future leader but was overtaken by President Xi Jinping. He was the only incumbent top official who didn’t belong to Xi’s loyalists group.
As a trained economist, Li held the second highest-ranked position in China, though in recent years, he was isolated amongst China’s top leadership.
Li was known as a leader who worked for the less privileged, with policies focused on reducing the wealth gap and providing affordable housing.
He also pushed for policies to encourage entrepreneurship and technology innovation, especially among young people.
During the country’s Covid lockdowns, he held meetings instructing various government departments to clear logistical hurdles for foreign companies to resume production.
He was also the highest-level official to visit Wuhan in January 2020, when the city was under lockdown and battling a surge of infections during the COVID-19 outbreak.
At a point in his career, Li headed the State Council and was one of the leading figures behind China’s Financial and Economic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Deepening Reforms.
Below are some of the reactions to the death of the former Chinese Premier, Li Keqiang. Nicholas Burns, the U.S Ambassador to China said in a Twitter post; “I extend our condolences to the family of former Premier Li Keqiang, the government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese people, on his passing”
The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai statement read; “He was well respected by the American business community for his unwavering support for foreign investment in China and his commitment to the reform and opening policy. His legacy of shaping China’s development will not be forgotten”
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China wrote; “The European Chamber is deeply saddened by the passing of former Premier Li Keqiang, who was an important interlocutor for the foreign business community.
He was a pragmatic, forward-thinking man who placed great importance on the reform and opening of China’s economy. On the occasions that the European Chamber had the privilege to meet with him, he always paid close attention to the concerns of European companies operating in China”
A statement from the South Korean government read; “Our government highly values the contribution former Premier Li Keqiang has made to developing South Korea-China relations as a close friend of South Korea. We pray for the eternal repose of his soul and express deep sadness and condolences to the bereaved family”
At the time of this report, the family was planning his final funeral arrangement and the details are yet to be finalized. We will keep you updated.
David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.
