China’s ‘two sessions’ 2023: Li Qiang is China’s new premier, but how much power will he wield?
- Li Qiang was confirmed as China’s premier – its No 2 official – on Saturday, but the position is seen to hold diminishing authority as President Xi Jinping consolidates power
- However, some observers say the former Shanghai party boss might enjoy more policy leeway on economics thanks to his close relationship with Xi
01:55
China’s Li Qiang shakes off Shanghai Covid chaos to become new premier
Li Qiang, a long-time aide of President Xi Jinping, was confirmed as China’s premier – its No 2 official – on Saturday with a resounding vote from members of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislature.
He was endorsed by 2,936 of the 2,947 NPC members who attended Saturday’s meeting, with three voting against and eight abstaining.
Xi and Li chatted before and after the vote, which also approved appointments to the country’s top supervision job as well as its top judge and prosecutor-general.
His predecessor, Li Keqiang, was present to witness the votes announced at the Great Hall of the People, and the two shook hands amid applause to signal the official power transition.
Li Qiang’s biggest challenge will be reviving the Chinese economy this year
Li Qiang will hold his first news conference as premier on Monday after the conclusion of the NPC’s annual meeting. It will be closely watched for signs of his thinking on ways to revive China’s economy from the Covid-19 pandemic doldrums and address economic risks, demographic challenges and technological bottlenecks.
“Li Qiang’s biggest challenge will be reviving the Chinese economy this year,” said Ava Shen, China and Northeast Asia associate at Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy.
“It’s still uncertain if consumer demand can meaningfully bounce back this year to drive growth, and financial risks in the property sector and local government debt still linger.