Hong Kong politicians remember ‘amiable’ ex-Chinese premier Li Keqiang after sudden death, praising his support for city’s economic integration
- Veteran political figures Tam Yiu-chung and Lau Siu-kai pay tribute to former Chinese premier Li Keqiang, who died suddenly in Shanghai at the age of 68
- Li, who last visited Hong Kong officially in 2011, remembered for ‘strong backing’ of city’s economic integration with mainland China and support for financial hub status
Hong Kong politicians have paid tribute to former Chinese premier Li Keqiang following his death, describing him as an “amiable” leader who strongly backed the city to strengthen its economic integration with mainland China and its status as an international financial hub.
Li, who was 68, died suddenly in Shanghai in the early hours of Friday morning following a heart attack the day before, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He last visited Hong Kong in an official capacity in 2011 when he was vice-premier, speaking at the city’s oldest university and announcing more than 30 measures to boost the local economy.
On Friday, senior officials including health secretary Lo Chung-mau, security chief Chris Tang Ping-keung and home and youth affairs minister Alice Mak Mei-kuen wore black at separate press conferences about this week’s policy address.
Veteran politician Tam Yiu-chung, the city’s former sole delegate to the apex body of the national legislature, said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news, noting Li had “always offered strong backing” to Hong Kong’s economic development.
“Li fully acknowledged the vibrancy brought to Hong Kong by the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, highlighted the great potential of further cooperation between the city and the mainland, and floated ideas to boost these ties,” Tam said.
