The legacy of China’s low-key ‘people’s premier’ Li Keqiang

Despite early promise, ‘Li’s star faded’ as Xi Jinping’s influence grew, analyst says

China’s economic, political reforms stalled as ‘people’s premier’ was sidelined from decision-making

Reading Time:5 minutes

As the sun sets on Li Keqiang’s premiership, experts say high hopes for Li’s reforms gradually faded as his influence in the party’s top levels diminished. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 12:05am, 23 Oct 2022

It was barely a farewell.

Speaking to reporters after the annual legislative session in March this year, Li Keqiang said it was his last press conference as China’s premier.

“We are still faced with a complicated and challenging environment,” Li said. “I am confident that under the strong leadership of the [Communist Party’s] Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, with the strong support of various sectors, and especially with the joint hard work of the Chinese people, China’s economy will be able to overcome difficulties.”

Unlike his predecessor Wen Jiabao, Li, 67, recited no poems to express his aspirations. No personal feelings were revealed, no thrills or regrets were mentioned in reflecting on his 10 years as premier. When he steps down next March after serving two terms – the maximum allowed under China’s constitution for premiership – Li’s departure is not expected to generate much fanfare.

When Li became the second-highest ranking official in the party after Xi, public hopes were much higher.

Li had arguably been one of the best-educated Chinese leaders. He held a bachelor’s degree of law and a doctorate in economics from Peking University. He spoke English fluently. And when it came to the economy, Li became widely known for adopting a combination of indicators to take the pulse of China’s often opaque economy.

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