Li Keqiang on China

Li Keqiang, as Premier of China from 2013 to 2023, was widely viewed as representing a pragmatic and technocratic wing of the ruling party, often associated with reform-minded policies. His domestic focus during his tenure included championing a policy of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting a shift in economic priorities from export-led growth toward boosting domestic consumption. Evidence of his economic philosophy, sometimes dubbed "Likonomics," included a three-pronged approach aimed at debt reduction, ending massive stimulus, and implementing structural reforms. He also publicly pushed against unnecessary government bureaucracy, highlighting absurd requirements for citizens seeking basic services.

However, Li Keqiang's authority and influence within the central leadership were seen to steadily erode over time as power centralized under the paramount leader. This marginalization meant that while he spoke of reforms, the principal drafting and direction of major policy documents often occurred outside of the State Council, which he led. Upon leaving office in early 2023, he offered an indirect criticism by stating that China's opening-up policy would not reverse, "just as the course of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers will not be reversed."