China’s former deputy leader Li Keqiang has died after suffering a heart attack.

The English-speaking economist, 68, had once been considered a contender for the country’s top job, but was passed over in favour of Xi Jinping.

Under the centralising grip of President Xi and his amassing of ever-greater powers, China’s premier and second-in-charge became increasingly sidelined.

While Mr Li, a champion for private business, had promised to improve conditions for entrepreneurs who generate jobs and wealth, the leadership increased the dominance of state industry and tightened control over tech and other industries.

It left Mr Li and others on the party’s ruling seven-member standing committee with little influence.

He was dropped from the group in October 2022 despite being two years below the informal retirement age of 70.

On the same day, President Xi awarded himself a third five-year term as party leader, ditching a tradition under which his predecessors stepped down after 10 years.

He filled the top party ranks with loyalists, ending the era of consensus leadership and raising the prospect of him holding the top job for life.

The number two slot was filled by Li Qiang, a figure from Mr Xi’s days in provincial government, who lacked his predecessor’s national-level experience.

His departure marked a shift away from the skilled technocrats who have helped steer China’s economy in favour of officials known mainly for their unquestioned loyalty to the president.

Mr Li’s sudden death has shocked many people in the country, with a related hashtag on the Chinese social media platform Weibo attracting more than one billion views in just a few hours.

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On posts about Li, the “like” button was turned into a daisy – a common flower for funerals in China, and many users commented “rest in peace”.

Others described his death as a loss and said he worked hard and made a great contribution to China.

Beijing resident Xia Fan, 20, hailed him “a really conscientious and responsible premier”.

“He really accompanied the growth of our generation, that’s how it feels in my heart,” she said.

Designer Chen Hui praised the contribution made by Mr Li.

He said: “If I were to talk about it, it’s impossible to finish it in one day. It’s a pity.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also expressed his condolences, as has Japan’s embassy in China, which highlighted his important role in relations between the two countries.

Born in 1955, Mr Li was from a generation of politicians schooled during a time of greater openness to liberal Western ideas.

Introduced to politics during the chaotic 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, he made it into prestigious Peking University on his own merits rather than through political connections.

He held a series of provincial posts and jobs at ministries in Beijing, on a career path meant to prepare future leaders.

He joined the party’s central committee in 2007.

As premier, he guided the world’s second-largest economy through challenges such as tensions with the United States and the COVID pandemic.

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