Tomorrow at the National Popular Assembly, his last official act as number two of the regime. Subtle attack on Xi Jinping: Chinese economy still needs “reforms”. However, further centralization of power is expected in favor of Xi and the Communist Party.
Beijing () – State censorship blocked several videos filming the farewell tour of outgoing Prime Minister Li Keqiang, who will soon be succeeded by Li Qiang, an ally of President Xi Jinping.
Tomorrow, the current former number two of the Chinese Communist Party will deliver his last speech on government affairs at the opening of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC). Along with the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which opened today, the PNA is called upon to formalize the decisions already made by President Xi Jinping and the Party leadership.
As reported by the South China Morning Postfootage circulating online shows crowds of officials from various ministries greeting Li: a sign that he continues to enjoy an excellent reputation in the CCP, despite his impending retirement.
In a video recorded at the National Development and Reform Commission, Li later stressed that China still needs economic reforms (translated: liberalization). The statement reads like a subtle attack on Xi, who in his 10 years in power has tried in every way to sideline him. Li is an exponent of the Communist Youth, one of the few factions still structured in the CCP, which was defeated in the Congress last October.
The PNA annual meeting will mark the start of Xi’s third term in power as he will lead a Politburo Standing Committee made up solely of loyal aides. The Chinese “Parliament” will approve (without debate) the appointments to government positions decided by the leadership of the Party. A reform of the ministries is expected, which will most likely mean a greater centralization of decision-making in favor of Xi and the CCP.
However, the focus will be mainly on economic decisions. Due to Xi’s Zero Covid policy, the effects of the Russo-Ukrainian war and reduced global demand, Chinese GDP grew 3% last year, one of the lowest levels in 50 years. The Chinese President is called upon to reactivate the national economy. Analysts say the government could set a growth target of 6% for this year.
