Ex-premier Li Keqiang, China’s top economic official for a decade, dies aged 68

Then-Chinese premier Li Keqiang delivers his state of the nation address during the opening session of China’s National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5 2023 (Ng Han Guan/AP)

Former premier Li Keqiang, China’s top economic official for a decade, has died of a heart attack aged 68.

Mr Li was China’s number two leader from 2013-23 and an advocate for private business but was left with little authority after President Xi Jinping made himself the most powerful Chinese leader in decades and tightened control over the economy and society.