
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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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
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
The office of premier has significantly lost meaning under Xi. Could this change with the departure of Li Keqiang? His successor is a confidant of the president – but not a mere "yes man".
By Jörn Petring
The CP's power center, the Politburo Standing Committee, is now staffed exclusively by Xi loyalists. The final day was overshadowed by an incident surrounding the 79-year-old former Party leader Hu Jintao: The frail-looking Hu was escorted out of the hall shortly after the start of the meeting – for unknown reasons.
By Christiane Kuehl
Xi Jinping will be elected as the CP leader for the third time at the upcoming congress, that much seems certain. But below the General Secretary, there is a struggle for positions: A generational change is imminent, which could also allow insights into the CP's internal power structure.
By Christiane Kuehl
The party congresses of China's Communists are a forum for socialist grandeur, the forcing through of ideologies. In recent decades, they also stood for an orderly transfer of power. That no longer applies. At the upcoming 20th CP Congress, President Xi Jinping will be elected Chairman for another five years.
By Christiane Kuehl