Beijing mourns the passing of former Premier Li Keqiang as flags fly at half-mast. Li, a reform-minded bureaucrat once considered a potential future leader, passed away from a sudden heart attack at the age of 68. Despite being an advocate for political liberalization and economic reform, Li was overshadowed by Xi Jinping’s centralized governance style. The Communist Party’s official obituary hailed Li as a “time-tested and loyal communist soldier.” The relatively muted state commemoration and apparent online censorship suggest efforts to control public expressions of sorrow. Li will be cremated in a ceremony attended by China’s top leadership.
China Mourns Ex-Premier Li Keqiang as Flags Fly at Half-Mast
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