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China (English)

Top leadership deaths trigger tensions

When a well-known top cadre passes away, in many cases the political balance changes in China. Past examples show that mourning the death of a popular politician can turn into protests.

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Chinas Ex-Ministerpraesident Li Keqiang im Alter von 68 Jahren gestorben. ARCHIVFOTO Premierminister Li KEQIANG China Gemeinsame Presseunterrichtung des chinesischen Premierminister und der Bundeskanzlerin im Rahmen der 3. Deutsch-Chinesischen Regierungskonsultationen im Bundeskanzleramt in Berlin, Deutschland am 10.10.2014. *** Chinas ex Premier Li Keqiang died at age 68 ARCHIVE PHOTO Premier Li KEQIANG China Joint press briefing by Chinese Premier and German Chancellor at the 3 German Chinese Government Consultations at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on 10 10 2014.

'More professor than politician'

Obituary for Li Keqiang: He was more of a jurist and economist than a power politician and was marginalized by Xi Jinping. Colleagues lament the wasted potential.

By Redaktion Table

Der ehemalige chinesische Ministerpräsident Li Keqiang stirbt im Alter von 68 Jahren (R)

Li vs Xi

When he took office, Li Keqiang was seen as an economic reformer. However, it quickly became clear that Xi had different ideas. He increasingly sidelined the Premier, who had risen through the Communist Youth League, and made all major decisions himself. Li only hinted at his differing views occasionally.

By Christiane Kuehl