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Li Qiang, born in Wenzhou in 1959, became China's premier in March 2023. Li’s first provincial government job was in the civil affairs department, providing welfare to the rural poor. He was appointed party boss of Wenzhou in 2002 at the age of 43, making him the youngest person to take up that position in more than three decades, and he established himself there as a keen supporter of the city's private sector. He joined Zhejiang’s provincial party committee in 2003, less than a year after Xi took control of it, and was promoted to secretary general in 2004. He was Xi’s secretary until Xi left for Shanghai in 2007. Li became Zhejiang governor at the end of 2012 after Xi took over as Communist Party general secretary. In June 2016 he was named party secretary of Jiangsu province, but just 15 months later was appointed as the party secretary of Shanghai, where he oversaw increased foreign investment in the city, including the construction of Tesla's gigafactory. However, his reputation was stung in 2022 when he was blamed for a two-month Covid-19 lockdown that hurt the city's economy.
Pragmatism is at play in each relationship between the West and China, not least with Berlin and Beijing. For German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, that means continued engagement and commerce.
The much-anticipated press conference at the close of the National People’s Congress was cancelled, discontinuing a customary practice that was established in the early 1990s.
Premier Li Qiang leaves Tianjin audience in no doubt that winning back foreign investors is a priority and the country will continue to open up.
The president and new premier have once again shown strong support for the city, backing for private entrepreneurs and a pragmatic approach to take the country forward in the post-pandemic era.
- Inspection tours by members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including Premier Li Qiang, suggest what the main focus for the third plenum in July will be
- The meeting, which has been delayed for unknown reasons, will set out the country’s economic strategy for the next five to 10 years
Premier Li Qiang told overseas buyers at the Canton Fair that China’s development will inject more stability into the world economy and global trade as it seeks to shore up confidence and retain and entice investors.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to visit Australia in the third week of June amid improving relations, with the unofficial import ban on Australian live lobsters set to be lifted, according to sources with knowledge of the issue.
Li is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur later this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two sides.
Nearly all of China’s top-level officials responsible for economic affairs have met or have plans to meet with multinational executives amid Beijing’s push to revive confidence and lure foreign investment.
At China Development Forum, Li highlights potential of urbanisation to boost consumer spending and create opportunities for global investors.
A presentation made to Chinese Premier Li Qiang pointed out major hurdles faced by the nation’s artificial-intelligence development initiatives.
Amendment to Organic Law of the State Council shows role of China’s cabinet as Xi’s ‘loyal policy implementer’ is endorsed by highest legislative body, researcher says.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang held a study session with his cabinet on Monday, vowing to tackle barriers to forming a vast market.
Side-by-side comparison finds Li Qiang and predecessor Li Keqiang had different priorities early in their terms determined by economy at home during their era and geopolitics abroad.
At annual state gathering to celebrate Lunar New Year, Chinese leader also praises Beijing’s success in opposing ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘interference by foreign forces’.
Premier Li Qiang visited hi-tech manufacturing companies during a two-day trip to the central province of Shaanxi province on Monday and Tuesday, urging firms to increase investment in research and development.
Premier Li Qiang is preparing to deliver his maiden annual government work report in March, and China’s No 2 official stepped up preparations this week by soliciting opinions during symposia.
In Brussels, Beijing’s promises to individual EU states are seen through the lens of a combative and defensive China unwilling to yield on major issues.
In his Davos speech, the French president stresses the need for EU to reduce its dependence on both major powers.
Li Qiang, in discussions with Michael Higgins as well as with Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar, is the first member of Chinese leadership to visit Ireland since 2015.
Chinese premier will address opening ceremony at annual meeting of political and business leaders, then pay official visits to Switzerland and Ireland as Beijing kicks off ‘high-level exchange’ with Europe.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited a university, as well as semiconductor, laser and chemical manufacturers, during a two-day visit to Hubei province this week, calling for better applications of core technologies.
In communique issued after meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, the two sides vow to oppose external influence in ties and ‘closely coordinate’ under multilateral frameworks including Brics, G20 and SCO.
Li Qiang, Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang among Chinese leaders paying respects to the leading facial recognition expert and SenseTime co-founder, who died Friday.
Premier Li Qiang spoke during the opening ceremony of the inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo on Tuesday in Beijing.
The unexpected appointment makes him the first official to lead a top Communist Party organisation that would typically be chaired by Chinese president.
Bloc’s top officials confirmed to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang while concerns about Beijing subsidies and Ukraine support persist.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang watches on as Olympic Council of Asia chief Raja Randhir Singh hails Hangzhou event an ‘unprecedented success’.
