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Li Keqiang, born in 1955, became China's premier in March 2013. Like ex-president Hu Jintao, his power base lies with the Communist Youth League, where he was a member of the secretariat of the league’s central committee in the 1980s and later in the 1990s the secretariat’s first secretary. His regional governance experience includes a period as vice party boss, governor and party boss of Henan province between 1998 and 2003 and party boss of Liaoning province beginning in 2004. He became vice premier in 2008. Li graduated from Peking University with a degree in economics.
Falling economic and population numbers at a time when country re-emerges from Covid-19 call for healthy moves to restore investors’ confidence.
Stability and prudent economic policies have never been needed more following the resignation of Liz Truss after only six weeks.
China’s recovery lacks momentum and is over-reliant on exports while badly needed healthy domestic consumption is lacking.
As growth falters and unemployment rises, China’s current leadership could learn much from Mao Zedong’s theory of ‘walking on two legs’ to avert an economic crisis – and issue vouchers to boost consumer spending.
On the surface, all seems well. But behind closed doors, rumours swirl of a split among China’s top leaders on how to deal with a flagging economy – and of a diminished role for President Xi Jinping in deciding who will run the country next.
- Li addresses few international issues in his debut press conference after the close of the national legislature’s annual session
- Instead, he focuses on private enterprise and the need for government to help business
Eight high-ranking officials overseeing areas such as finance, education and technology to join city leader John Lee on week-long trip to Beijing.
In a difficult economic time when jobs are hard to come by, selling wares and trinkets on the streets has growing appeal, with vendors seeing more foot traffic amid China’s post-Covid reopening.
A February decline in China’s consumer price index was broad-based, according to analysts who point to last month’s dip in food and non-food inflation, as reflected in official data released on Thursday.
Talk of financial risk management at annual parliamentary meetings serves as a high-profile reassurance of leadership’s repeated vows to curb financial risks and alleviate revenue problems across the country.
Zheng Yanxiong, director of central government’s liaison office, tells Hong Kong politicians city’s affairs are ‘of national importance’.
NPC to give stamp of legitimacy to State Council reform plan and new leadership line-up as its annual session continues this week.
Li promoted the private economy, foreign investment and simpler government procedures – even when his power waned.
Foreign financial institutions such as Fidelity International and Neuberger Berman have accelerated the launch of mutual funds and wholly-owned units in mainland China to tap its 26 trillion yuan (US$3.7 trillion) mutual-fund market.
Analysts say that attracting more foreign investment, especially from the US and Europe, could help curb decoupling with the West, but ‘restoring positive business sentiment cannot be done overnight’.
Li’s final government work report aims to chart a steady course for jobs, inflation and growth.
Delivering his final work report, Li Keqiang also underscores need to uphold constitutional order in Hong Kong and principle of patriots administering local affairs.
After falling far short of its GDP target last year, Beijing is being a bit more reserved in 2023, and analysts say this reflects the need to ensure stability and cultivate better-quality growth long-term.
Budget and Premier Li Keqiang’s final work report both stress importance of boosting ‘combat readiness’ while deepening ‘independent’ overseas ties.
Delivering the government’s work report, Premier Li Keqiang says Beijing has resolutely fought against separatism and countered interference.
Videos censored on Chinese social media show Li delivering his message on a farewell tour of government ministries.
Chinese premier tells IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva all parties should work together and ‘shoulder the burden fairly’ to aid highly indebted countries amid disputes over debt restructuring.
Li Qiang’s expected elevation to premier would make him the first such Chinese leader in three decades to have no experience in the central government or in west China, but he does have President Xi Jinping’s confidence.
Li Yining mentored some of the Communist Party’s seniormost members, including Premier Li Keqiang, while his teachings continue to help guide China’s economic transformation.
Beijing again puts He Lifeng alongside senior cadres during a high-profile stop at the People’s Bank of China, leading to increased speculation about major economic policy changes.
Li Keqiang vows to ‘facilitate international exchanges and people mobility’, at annual round-table gathering featuring face-to-face exchanges with heads of IMF, World Bank, WTO and others.
China’s Premier Li Keqiang met with the heads of the World Bank, World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund on Thursday in Huangshan, Anhui province.
European officials say Xi’s comments during a meeting with EU Council President Charles Michel may signal he is ready to loosen controls further.
During speech to business leaders, Chinese premier stresses role of respect, equal treatment and ‘sound and stable’ ties in regional development.
But with no mention by the State Council of the worsening outbreak situation, analysts continue to ask how economic growth can be achieved amid widespread lockdowns and mobility restrictions.
A visit to China by European Council President Charles Michel next month comes amid concerns the bloc has too much economic reliance on Beijing.
Hun Sen also had maskless encounters with officials from Japan, Australia, Canada and eight Southeast Asian nations at this weekend’s Asean summit.
