The sudden death of China's former Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, has sent shockwaves through the Chinese political landscape. Li, 68, who had served alongside President Xi Jinping for a decade, passed away unexpectedly in Shanghai from a heart attack. His passing marks the end of an era and raises questions about China's political future.

Li Keqiang, once a prominent figure in Chinese politics, played a key role in steering The People’s Republic but was ultimately overshadowed by President Xi Jinping's dominance in policy-making.

Li's career in Chinese politics began with a promising future. He was once considered a potential top leader within the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and held a doctorate in economics. Hailing from Anhui Province in Eastern China, he studied law and economics at Peking University, where he was associated with liberal students who later became key figures in the pro-democracy movement of 1989.

However, Li's career took a different trajectory as he rose through the CCP's ‘Youth League’. He served as a provincial leader and was seen as a possible successor to President Hu Jintao, another leader who had ascended through the Youth League. Nevertheless, in 2012, Xi Jinping emerged as the paramount leader, and Li took on the role of premier, leading the cabinet.

During his tenure as premier, Li focused on reducing Government bureaucracy and interference in the private sector. But his influence waned as Xi consolidated power and established an inner circle of CCP loyalists who had known him for years.

Xi Jinping gradually sidelined Li on various policy matters, introducing CCP commissions to take charge of issues such as national security, the economy, and finance. These commissions usurped much of the policymaking role that government ministries had traditionally held, reporting to Li as the premier.

The sudden death of Li Keqiang is politically sensitive in China, with the potential to stir unrest. It remains to be seen how President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party will commemorate his legacy. At a time when China faces economic challenges, a housing crisis, and high youth unemployment, the political landscape is evolving rapidly, and the implications of Li's passing are significant.