"Remembering Li Keqiang: China's Late Premier and His Unrealized Ambitions"

Former Premier Li Keqiang, China's top economic official for a decade, has died at the age of 68. Li, who was an advocate for private business, saw his authority diminish under President Xi Jinping's tightening control over the economy and society. Despite promises to improve conditions for entrepreneurs, the ruling party under Xi increased the dominance of state industry and tightened control over tech and other sectors. Li was dropped from the party's ruling seven-member Standing Committee in 2022, while Xi awarded himself a third term as party leader. Li's tenure was marked by challenges such as weak consumer spending and a wealth gap, and he was seen as a possible candidate to revive market-oriented reforms. However, he was known for his easygoing style and faced criticism for his handling of various disasters and crises during his term.