The death of Li Keqiang, former Chinese Prime Minister, has sparked a wave of emotion and reflection on his mandate and his role as a reformer. Li Keqiang, who served as prime minister from 2013 to 2023, was known for his desire to carry out economic reforms amid the rise of President Xi Jinping.
Li Keqiang was a trained economist who spoke English fluently. He was recognized for his commitment to economic reforms and his role in managing the global financial crisis. However, his reform plans have been hampered by Xi Jinping’s growing authority.
His replacement last March by Li Qiang, an ally of Xi Jinping, was seen as a sign that his reform agenda was in decline. This transition has also been interpreted as a government takeover of a struggling Chinese economy.
Li Keqiang’s term was marked by the evolution of power in China, moving from a regime based on consensus to a concentration of power in the hands of Xi Jinping. Despite these challenges, Li Keqiang has been praised for his relative handling of the financial crisis and his role in the country’s economic stability.
Li Keqiang began his political career as Communist Party secretary, then rose through the ranks in the Communist Youth League and led two important provinces in China. Throughout his career, he demonstrated critical thinking and recognized competence, even if he perhaps lacked charisma.
Li Keqiang’s death marks the end of an era and raises questions about the future of reforms in China. His legacy as a reformer will no doubt be scrutinized, and he leaves behind a shifting political landscape. China’s future remains uncertain, but it is certain that Li Keqiang will leave a lasting mark on the country’s history.