On November 2, IPSI/GCH nonresident senior fellow Dexter Tiff Roberts was quoted in a Radio Free Asia article on the passing of former Chinese premier Li Keqiang. Roberts explained that Li likely received a great deal of sympathy from the Chinese people due to a popular perception that he was invested in improving the lives of those struggling financially in China, in contrast to Xi’s more ideological focus. He noted that tributes to Li may thus be a subtle means of criticizing Xi’s leadership. On October 26, Roberts was also quoted in VOA, describing Li as a “frustrated reformer” who was unable to make the sweeping economic changes he championed under Xi’s restraints.
