Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern meets China's premier Li Keqiang at East Asia Summit in 2022. Photo: RNZ / Gyles Beckford
Former Chinese premier Li Keqiang has died at 68, state media has reported.
He was the second most powerful man in the ruling Chinese Communist Party, until he retired last year.
State media said he died of a sudden heart attack.
He rose through the party ranks despite not having any power base, and at one point was even pegged for the top role of president. But in the end he was made premier in 2013.
In his final term, he became the only incumbent top official who did not belong to Chinese President Xi Jinping's loyalists group.
Li was a beloved leader for being pragmatic in economic policies.
He developed a reputation as a leader who works for the less privileged, with policies that focus on reducing the wealth gap and providing affordable housing.
- This story was first published by the BBC
