China Appoints Next Premier

The appointment of Li Qiang as China’s next premier by President Xi Jinping is a significant development in the country’s political landscape. Li Qiang, a former Communist Party leader of Shanghai, is seen as a close ally of Xi and a pragmatist who will be tasked with reviving China’s struggling economy.

He received almost every vote from over 2,900 delegates at the National People’s Congress, cementing his position as the second-highest ranking official in China’s political system.

Li’s appointment comes after the retirement of Li Keqiang, who had been premier since 2013. During his tenure, Li Keqiang had sought to shift the country’s economic model away from a reliance on exports and investment and towards a more sustainable consumption-driven model.

However, China’s economy has struggled in recent years due to a combination of factors, including a slowdown in global demand, rising debt levels, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As premier, Li Qiang will be responsible for leading efforts to boost economic growth and address these challenges. He is known for his hands-on approach and is expected to prioritize policies that support small businesses and innovation, as well as efforts to reduce China’s reliance on overseas technology.

Li’s appointment is also significant in the context of China’s political landscape. As a close ally of Xi, he is likely to support the president’s agenda and play a key role in shaping the country’s direction in the coming years.

This comes after Xi secured a historic third term as president, solidifying his rule as China reopens from his bruising zero-Covid policy that has fuelled anti-government protests.

The Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which are taking place this week, are closely watched for insights into China’s direction in the coming years.

In addition to Li’s appointment, new ministerial appointments are expected to be announced on Sunday, providing further clues about the direction of China’s government.

Since Mao Zedong, leaders in China had been limited to two terms in office. However, when Xi had this restriction changed in 2018, it transformed him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.

This has raised concerns among some observers about the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, and the potential for abuses of that power.

Overall, Li Qiang’s appointment as premier is likely to be seen as a positive development by many in China and abroad, as he is widely respected for his experience and expertise.

However, the challenges facing China’s economy and political system are significant, and much will depend on the policies and priorities of Xi and his allies in the coming years.