‘Loyal communist fighter’: China’s party paper hails late premier Li Keqiang

China’s Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily hailed the late former premier Li Keqiang for his steadfast dedication to the party and loyalty to its leadership, in an article published on Thursday to mark what would have been his 70th birthday.

The article, attributed to the Institute of Party History and Literature, said Li had “dedicated all his energy to the cause of the party and the state, and made significant contributions to it”.

Li was an “outstanding member of the party, time-tested loyal communist fighter, outstanding revolutionary and politician, and exemplary leader”, the article said.

Li died in Shanghai in October 2023, after suffering a heart attack while swimming at a state guest house. The 68-year-old had stepped down as premier just months earlier.

An official obituary published by state broadcaster CCTV at that time described Li’s death as “a huge loss” for the party and the state.

It is customary for Chinese authorities to publish commemorative articles for senior officials on every 10th anniversary of their birth. The 100th birth anniversary is usually marked by a memorial symposium attended by top leaders.

  

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