Li Keqiang on Premiership Role
TL;DR
Li Keqiang served as the Premier of the State Council, a key executive role in China's government structure.
Key Points
He had been Premier of China since 2013.
His departure from the premiership was anticipated around the March 2023 Two Sessions.
His administrative skills and intellectual prowess were noted despite being identified with a particular political faction.
Summary
Li Keqiang held the position of Premier of the State Council of China, a role he occupied since 2013. This position is the head of the State Council, China's chief administrative authority, making him second in the government hierarchy to the President. The Premier's duties typically involve summarizing achievements and setting goals for the next year during the National People's Congress, as well as overseeing the state budget and national economic plans. The tenure of Li Keqiang was expected to conclude around the time of the legislative sessions in March 2023, with his successor being Li Qiang.
His tenure saw him manage the state's executive functions, often presenting the annual work report at the NPC. While the party apparatus was expected to take over additional policymaking power from state institutions, Li Keqiang was nonetheless retained for a term after the 19th Party Congress, identified with a specific faction but possessing proven administrative skills and intellectual prowess appreciated by the top leadership. He has been seen as performing the role of rationalizing policy pronouncements abroad, similar to a historical parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Keqiang's primary role was serving as the Premier of the State Council, which is China's chief administrative authority. This position made him effectively the head of the government, second only to the President in the state structure.
Li Keqiang's premiership was expected to conclude around the March 2023 legislative sessions. Li Qiang, identified as a close ally of the President, was widely expected to assume the premiership role.
As Premier, Li Keqiang was responsible for presenting the annual work report at the National People's Congress, summarizing the past year's work and setting future goals. This report often details economic plans and state budgets.