Former Premier’s Sudden Death Adds to CCP Leadership Turbulence: Analysts

Li’s sudden passing came as Chinese leader Xi Jinping faces economic and political challenges.

China's President Xi Jinping (R) and former Premier Li Keqiang arrive for the closing session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 13, 2023. NOEL CELIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The sudden death of China’s former premier could aggravate the potential turmoil within the upper echelons of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) leadership, researchers and analysts say.

Li Keqiang, once China’s No. 2, suffered a “sudden heart attack” on Oct. 26, while he was visiting Shanghai, according to an obituary published by the official news agency Xinhua. After “all rescue measures failed,” he died early on Oct. 27. He was 68.