He was sworn in as Prime Minister on Saturday to the applause of 3,000 deputies and the satisfied gaze of Xi Jinping. Li Qiang, 63, has never held a position in the central government, unlike all his predecessors, but is a loyal lieutenant of Xi Jinping, more powerful than ever at the head of the world’s second largest economy for a term. of five years.
The former head of the Communist Party of Shanghai had, a year ago, applied without flinching the implacable “zero Covid” policy dictated by Beijing, not hesitating to lock up two months during the 25 million inhabitants of the megalopolis. in a chaotic management of the epidemic.
Succeeding Li Keqiang, who had gradually faded away after two five-year terms in favor of the very centralized management of Xi Jinping, Li Qiang will now have the priority mission of repairing the economic damage linked to the health restrictions suddenly lifted. three months ago.
Your conciliatory
On the occasion of his first press conference – where most of the questions are known in advance – the man tried to adopt a conciliatory tone, seeking to reassure Chinese private companies and multinationals, harshly affected by anti-Covid measures last year. “Authorities at all levels should befriend entrepreneurs, create a business-friendly environment and care about private entrepreneurs,” he said, as the regulatory crackdown on tech giants and, more overall, the Party’s takeover of the economy frightened investors.
Traditionally in charge of economic issues, the prime minister also downplayed the GDP growth rate, saying the government should focus on improving people’s daily lives through the issue of housing, employment or education. “Achieving the growth target of around 5% will not be easy, I fear, and will take a lot of effort,” he said.
In addition to the real estate crisis, China is facing a slowdown in external demand and growing tensions with the United States. Again adopting a more conciliatory tone than his Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, last week, Li Qiang praised the commercial ties between China and the United States, two countries “closely linked economically” and this, at the benefit of both parties. “China and the United States can and must cooperate,” he continued, denouncing the idea of a decoupling of the two superpowers.
“Steel Wall”
Against the backdrop of tensions with Washington, Xi Jinping again stressed on Friday the need to strengthen national security during his first speech since his reappointment as head of China. To this end, it is necessary “to make [l’armée] a Great Wall of Steel that effectively protects national sovereignty, security and development interests,” he insisted when closing the annual session of parliament.
Xi Jinping soon in Russia
Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to travel to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin as early as next week, according to Reuters. Xi Jinping may hold next talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in what would be their first conversation since Russia invaded Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported. China and Russia entered into a “limitless” partnership in February 2022, days before Russia invaded Ukraine. The two parties have since reaffirmed the solidity of their ties.
The planned visit comes after China offered to broker a peace deal for Ukraine, a move met with skepticism by the West given China’s diplomatic support for Russia.
