Li Keqiang: China’s former deputy leader suffers fatal heart attack
China’s former deputy leader Li Keqiang has died after suffering a heart attack.
The English-speaking economist, 68, had once been considered a contender for the country’s top job, but was passed over in favour of Xi Jinping.
Under the centralising grip of President Xi and his amassing of ever-greater powers, China’s premier and second-in-charge became increasingly sidelined.
While Mr Li, a champion for private business, had promised to improve conditions for entrepreneurs who generate jobs and wealth, the leadership increased the dominance of state industry and tightened control over tech and other industries.
It left Mr Li and others on the party’s ruling seven-member standing committee with little influence.
He was dropped from the group in October 2022 despite being two years below the informal retirement age of 70.
On the same day, President Xi awarded himself a third five-year term as party leader, ditching a tradition under which his predecessors stepped down after 10 years.
He filled the top party ranks with loyalists, ending the era of consensus leadership and raising the prospect of him holding the top job for life.
The number two slot was filled by Li Qiang, a figure from Mr Xi’s days in provincial government, who lacked his predecessor’s national-level experience.
His departure marked a shift away from the skilled technocrats who have helped steer China’s economy in favour of officials known mainly for their unquestioned loyalty to the president.
President Xi sidelined his deputy as he tightened his grip on power
Mr Li’s sudden death has shocked many people in the country, with a related hashtag on the Chinese social media platform Weibo attracting more than one billion views in just a few hours.
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On posts about Li, the “like” button was turned into a daisy – a common flower for funerals in China, and many users commented “rest in peace”.
Others described his death as a loss and said he worked hard and made a great contribution to China.
Beijing resident Xia Fan, 20, hailed him “a really conscientious and responsible premier”.
“He really accompanied the growth of our generation, that’s how it feels in my heart,” she said.
The number two slot was filled by Li Qiang, a crony of Mr Xi. Pic AP
Designer Chen Hui praised the contribution made by Mr Li.
He said: “If I were to talk about it, it’s impossible to finish it in one day. It’s a pity.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also expressed his condolences, as has Japan’s embassy in China, which highlighted his important role in relations between the two countries.
Born in 1955, Mr Li was from a generation of politicians schooled during a time of greater openness to liberal Western ideas.
Introduced to politics during the chaotic 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, he made it into prestigious Peking University on his own merits rather than through political connections.
He held a series of provincial posts and jobs at ministries in Beijing, on a career path meant to prepare future leaders.
He joined the party’s central committee in 2007.
As premier, he guided the world’s second-largest economy through challenges such as tensions with the United States and the COVID pandemic.
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Police investigating the deaths of a British couple at their home in rural France have released details from a post-mortem examination.
Prosecutors say Dawn Searle, 56, was found at their property in Les Pesquies with “several” injuries to her head, while her husband, Andrew Searle, 62, was found hanged with no visible defensive injuries.
They are investigating whether the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide or if a third party was involved.
The pair are said to have been found dead by a German friend, who lives nearby, on Thursday after Mr Searle didn’t arrive for one of their regular dog walks.
The couple moved to the hamlet of Les Pesquies around a decade ago and married in the nearby town of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in the south of France, in 2023.
Andrew and Dawn Searle’s home
A statement from the office of public prosecutor Nicolas Rigot-Muller said Ms Searle was found partially dressed with a major wound to her skull next to a box with jewellery inside.
But no object or weapon was found that could’ve caused the wounds, which an autopsy carried out in Montpellier on Monday found were caused by a blunt and sharp object. There were no signs of sexual assault.
The house appeared to have been quickly searched, while some cash was found in the couple’s room.
Investigators are conducting further examinations, including toxicology and pathology tests, to help determine the precise circumstances of their deaths.
A police officer outside Andrew and Dawn Searle’s home in France
The village of Villefranche-de-Rouergue Aveyron
They each have two children from previous relationships and Ms Searle’s son, the country musician and former Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr, said they were in mourning in a statement posted on Saturday.
Family members are understood to have travelled to France, where they have spoken with investigators.
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The mayor of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Jean-Sebastien Orcibal, who was also a neighbour of the Searles, said villagers and the British expat community were going to be getting “psychological help” following the incident, which has left locals in shock.
Speaking to Sky News from the town hall in which he conducted the couple’s wedding ceremony, he said: “It doesn’t seem like the problem comes from here because when we knew them and saw them living here they were very happy, very friendly and didn’t seem to have any problems.
“The problem seems to come from the past or somewhere far away.
“It’s an isolated act, it’s very independent. It doesn’t say that it’s a very dangerous territory, in fact, it’s very peaceful and that’s why probably Andy and Dawn chose to live here, because it’s very peaceful.
“Now, did their past come back and get them? That’s another story. That’s totally different from where we are. It could’ve happened anywhere.”
A Foreign Office spokesperson previously said: “We are supporting the family of a British couple who died in France and are liaising with the local authorities.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
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