What's happened
Li Qiang is formally elected as China's next premier, succeeding Li Keqiang.
Why it matters
The appointment of Li Qiang as China's next premier highlights President Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and the tension between authoritarian control and business-friendly policies in China. It also sets the direction for China's economy and policies under Xi's leadership.
What the papers say
The New York Times emphasizes the tension between Xi's authoritarian control and business-friendly policies, while The Independent highlights Li Qiang's loyalty to Xi and his role in implementing Covid lockdown measures. BBC News focuses on Li Qiang's pragmatism and his task of reviving China's struggling economy. AP News discusses Li Keqiang's exit and the shift towards officials known for their loyalty to Xi.
How we got here
President Xi Jinping was confirmed to a third term as state president, solidifying his position as China's most dominant leader. The annual meeting of China's rubber-stamp legislature is taking place, with many of Xi's loyalists being elevated to leadership positions. Li Qiang's appointment as premier comes after his role in implementing Covid lockdown measures in Shanghai.
More on these topics
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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Li Qiang is a Chinese politician and a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. He is the current Party Committee Secretary of Shanghai, and formerly served as Governor of Zhejiang and Party Secretary of Jiangsu.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Shanghai is one of the four direct-administered municipalities of the People's Republic of China. It is under the direct administration of the State Council of China.