Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (March 20) told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that it was "symbolic" that the Chinese leader chose to travel to Russia for the first foreign visit of his new term.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (March 20) told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that it was "symbolic" that the Chinese leader chose to travel to Russia for the first foreign visit of his new term. The Chinese president landed in Moscow earlier in the day for his first state visit to Russia since the Ukraine war started last year in February. He intends to impart a "new momentum" to bilateral ties during the crucial visit. The Russian news agencies reported that on the runway of a Moscow airport, Xi said he is "confident the visit will be fruitful and give new momentum to the healthy and stable development of Chinese-Russian relations". ALSO READ | Japan is ‘closely monitoring’ security pact between China, Solomon Islands, says foreign minister Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko welcomed him on a red carpet and the Chinese leader was also greeted by a military brass band which played anthems from both countries. Xi also hailed China and Russia as "good neighbours" and "reliable partners" as he described bilateral ties as entering "a new era". The remarks were in reference to comments by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, who last week said that Xi and Putin would sign documents ushering in closer ties. As quoted by the Russian news agencies, Xi also said, "In a world of volatility and transformation, China will continue to work with Russia to safeguard the international system with the UN at its core." Watch this report: × Putin on China's 'peace plan' for Ukraine conflict Putin told his Chinese counterpart that Russia was open to discussing Beijing's peace plans to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine at the start of high-stakes talks in the Kremlin. Putin told Xi: "We are always open to negotiations." China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Beijing came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. The plans got a massive push with the Russia-China summit as Beijing seeks to portray itself as a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict and now got a platform to make the plan a reality. However, Washington warned the world should not be fooled by Beijing's moves. The United States has accused Beijing of mulling arms exports to Moscow. China has vociferously denied the claims. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Xi in Moscow: Putin says ready to discuss China's Ukraine plan

Vladimir Putin said Russia is ready to discuss China’s initiative for ending the conflict in Ukraine, welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping for a three-day visit that underlines Beijing’s support for Moscow.

Xi Jinping Visits Russia for Talks with Putin on Proposal to end war in Ukraine

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday on a three-day visit where he met Vladimir Putin and held talks with Russian President. Putin told Xi Jinping that he had looked at China's proposals for a resolution of the Ukraine conflict and that he viewed them with respect.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow today. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

Putin to welcome Xi Jinping to Moscow today

Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a three-day visit that shows off Beijing’s new diplomatic swagger and offers a welcome political lift for Russian President Vladimir Putin just days after an international arrest warrant was issued for him on war crimes charges related to the war in Ukraine.

Xi Jinping on 3-day state visit to Moscow

In a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. In an apparent show of support for the Russian President and also in a bid to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This is the Chinese President's first visit to Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

China's Xi Jinping to visit Russia, to meet Putin

Situation at the India-China border remains tense as peace talks between Foreign Ministers have not yet yielded the desired results. With no signs of a breakthrough in de-escalating the tension at the border, it remains to be seen whether China's Xi Jinping will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

S Jaishankar says 'Situation stands fragile' on India-China relationship

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Moscow tomorrow. This is being seen as a major diplomatic boost for the Russian President Vladimir Putin who has largely been isolated by various countries. China hopes to act as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict but the big question is can China actually be an honest broker for peace?

Major diplomatic boost for Vladimir Putin as Xi Jinping to visit Russia?

China’s president is to visit Russia next week in an apparent show of support for Vladimir Putin, the Chinese foreign ministry has said.The Kremlin also announced the visit, scheduled for 20-22 March, saying it would take place “at the invitation of Vladimir Putin”.

Xi Jinping to visit Russia in show of support for Vladimir Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be on a two-day visit to Moscow from March 20 to 22. On agenda is brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine. China has been touting itself as a mediator, but its deepening ties with Russia have cast doubts. Mohammed Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Xi's Moscow visit | What if the peace plan fails?

A Chinese chatbot refused to answer questions on President Xi Jinping, saying the query 'couldn't pass a safety review'. Has China now begun censoring and rigging artificial intelligence?

Gravitas: China's chatbot refuses to answer questions on Xi Jinping

Hours after China's&nbsp;foreign ministry announced that the Chinese leader Xi Jinping will embark on a three-day state visit to Russia, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi will sign a declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'a new era'.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-set-to-visit-russia-from-march-20-22-kremlin-confirms-572906">Xi Jinping set to visit Russia from March 20-22, on trip ‘for friendship and peace’</a>

Xi Jinping will begin his Russia visit on&nbsp;Monday at the invitation of his Moscow counterpart Vladimir Putin.

The two leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine crisis, as well as ways to boost bilateral ties. In February, China sought a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine in a 12-point plan&nbsp;issued on the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Kremlin added that the two leaders would meet for an informal lunch on Monday and will hold&nbsp;formal talks on Tuesday.

"Contacts between the president and (Xi) will begin on March 20 in the afternoon. It will be a face-to-face conversation. There will be an informal lunch. And March 21 will actually be the day of negotiations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

<h2>Xi Jinping Russia visit: What to expect?</h2>

According to the Kremlin, the negotiations will include a discussion of "current issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Xi Jinping to visit Russia in show of support for Vladimir Putin

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The two sides also plan to exchange opinions within the context of deepening of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the international arena. The countries are expected to sign a number of important bilateral documents.

This is a breaking story. More information to be added soon.&nbsp;

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Hours after China's foreign ministry announced that the Chinese leader Xi Jinping will embark on a three-day state visit to Russia, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi will sign a declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'a new era'.

Hours after China's foreign ministry announced that the Chinese leader Xi Jinping will embark on a three-day state visit to Russia, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi will sign a declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'a new era'. ALSO READ | Xi Jinping set to visit Russia from March 20-22, on trip ‘for friendship and peace’ Xi Jinping will begin his Russia visit on Monday at the invitation of his Moscow counterpart Vladimir Putin. The two leaders are expected to discuss the Ukraine crisis, as well as ways to boost bilateral ties. In February, China sought a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine in a 12-point plan issued on the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Kremlin added that the two leaders would meet for an informal lunch on Monday and will hold formal talks on Tuesday. "Contacts between the president and (Xi) will begin on March 20 in the afternoon. It will be a face-to-face conversation. There will be an informal lunch. And March 21 will actually be the day of negotiations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Xi Jinping Russia visit: What to expect? According to the Kremlin, the negotiations will include a discussion of "current issues of further development of relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China." ALSO WATCH | Xi Jinping to visit Russia in show of support for Vladimir Putin × The two sides also plan to exchange opinions within the context of deepening of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the international arena. The countries are expected to sign a number of important bilateral documents. This is a breaking story. More information to be added soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin, Xi to sign declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'new era': Kremlin

Chinese leader Xi Jinping will fly to Moscow next week to meet with President Vladimir Putin in his first visit to Russia since Putin launched his devastating invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to Russia from March 20-22 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes as China offers to broker peace in Ukraine.

Xi Jinping to make state visit to Russia from March 20-22

Chinese President Xi Jinping will be in Russia from March 20-22 for a state visit after he was invited by President Vladimir Putin. The visit comes as China offers to broker peace in Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia from March 20-22

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit Russia from March 20 to 22. The visit comes as China called again for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and for peace talks to resolve the conflict that began just over a year ago.

Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Russia next week amid Ukraine war

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia has been confirmed for next week. He will be in Russia from March 20-22 for a state visit, Kremlin said Friday. President Vladimir Putin had earlier invited Xi to visit the country. The visit comes on the heels of an offer from China to broker peace in Ukraine. It will be Xi's first visit to the country since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine began in February last year.

Xi is also reportedly set to talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his Moscow visit. China's peace plan offer has been viewed with scepticism by the West given Beijing's diplomatic support for Russia.

"During the talks, they will discuss topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China," the Kremlin said.

"A number of important bilateral documents will be signed," it added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-will-speak-with-ukrainian-president-zelensky-after-moscow-visit-report-571764">Xi will speak with Ukrainian President Zelensky after Moscow visit: Report</a>

Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying,&nbsp;in a Twitter message,&nbsp;said it will be a trip "for friendship and peace".

"On the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and no-targeting of any third party, China and Russia have been promoting greater democracy in international relations," she said.

She added that during the visit, China will uphold "an objective and fair position" on the Ukraine war and "play a constructive role in promoting talks for peace".

Earlier, the trip was touted to happen sometime around April end or May. Putin had talked about Xi's visit last month, but no definitive date was given. Xi last met Putin in September 2022, during a summit in central Asia.

China and Russia entered a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics.&nbsp;

The two sides have since continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties. Trade between the two countries has flourished in the past year, with China being Russia's biggest buyer of oil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
 
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Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia has been confirmed for next week. He will be in Russia from March 20-22 for a state visit, Kremlin said Friday. President Vladimir Putin had earlier invited Xi to visit the country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Russia has been confirmed for next week. He will be in Russia from March 20-22 for a state visit, Kremlin said Friday. President Vladimir Putin had earlier invited Xi to visit the country. The visit comes on the heels of an offer from China to broker peace in Ukraine. It will be Xi's first visit to the country since Russia's military intervention in Ukraine began in February last year. Xi is also reportedly set to talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his Moscow visit. China's peace plan offer has been viewed with scepticism by the West given Beijing's diplomatic support for Russia. "During the talks, they will discuss topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China," the Kremlin said. "A number of important bilateral documents will be signed," it added. Also Read | Xi will speak with Ukrainian President Zelensky after Moscow visit: Report Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, in a Twitter message, said it will be a trip "for friendship and peace". "On the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and no-targeting of any third party, China and Russia have been promoting greater democracy in international relations," she said. She added that during the visit, China will uphold "an objective and fair position" on the Ukraine war and "play a constructive role in promoting talks for peace". Earlier, the trip was touted to happen sometime around April end or May. Putin had talked about Xi's visit last month, but no definitive date was given. Xi last met Putin in September 2022, during a summit in central Asia. China and Russia entered a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics. The two sides have since continued to reaffirm the strength of their ties. Trade between the two countries has flourished in the past year, with China being Russia's biggest buyer of oil. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Xi Jinping set to visit Russia from March 20-22, on trip ‘for friendship and peace’

Taiwan has lived for decades under constant threat of an invasion by china. Beijing claims taiwan as a part of its territory to be seized one day By force if required. However, many Taiwanese people consider their self-ruled island to be distinct - whether or not independence is ever officially declared. Taiwan's defence spending this year will focus on preparing weapons & equipment for a total blockade by china. Taiwan's ministry said it began reviewing strategic fuel reserves & repair abilities last year. The ministry said china has been conducting joint force operations. Beijing plans to control strategic choke points & deny access to foreign forces. China's military's eastern theatre command last year sent over 1,700 aircraft into Taiwan's air defence zone. That, as per Taiwan, is more than double the number from a year earlier & poses a 'substantial threat'. Just a few weeks back, Taiwan said it had spotted 19 Chinese air force planes in its air defence zone in 24 hours.

Taiwan braces for blockade by China | Xi Jinping plans to speak with Zelensky: WSJ Report

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech Monday morning at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), the country's national legislature.

Xi Jinping addresses China's NPC closing session

China's new premier Li Qiang on Monday sought to reassure the nation's private sector, saying that the environment for entrepreneurial businesses will improve and equal treatment will be given to companies, regardless of ownership type. Tasked with reviving the world's second-largest economy, the newly installed premier faces multiple challenges including weak consumer and private industry confidence, sluggish exports demand and a souring relationship with the United States.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media at his debut press conference as the China premier, Qiang said that the country will also undertake measures to boost jobs, and for that, he said "developing the economy is the fundamental solution".

Watch |&nbsp;Xi Jinping handed unprecedented third term as China’s president

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China's economy is in the doldrums. Last year the nation's economy grew by just three per cent, the&nbsp;target as per AFP was around 5.5 per cent. Due to the impact of strict Covid policies and a property crisis, China missed the goal by a huge margin.

Keeping with that, this year's GDP growth target is a conservative five per cent. However, China Premier Li Qiang says that with the nation facing many difficulties, achieving this target would not be easy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/career-bureaucrat-xi-jinpings-ally-and-now-chinas-second-most-powerful-man-who-is-li-qiang-570929">Career bureaucrat, Xi Jinping's ally and now China's second most powerful man: Who is Li Qiang?</a>

Notably, the set target is one of the lowest in decades.&nbsp;

"I'm afraid that reaching our growth target of around five per cent will be no easy task, and will require that we redouble our efforts," said the China premier at a press conference held to mark the closing of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Li is a close ally and longtime confidant of China's President Xi Jinping and was appointed to the nation's second most powerful post last week during the annual session of Beijing's "rubber-stamp" parliament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-calls-for-fortification-of-armed-forces-into-a-great-wall-of-steel-571333">Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into a 'Great Wall of steel'</a>

Speaking at the closing session of the CCP session, Xi Jinping called for greater self-reliance and said China needs security to develop. He also stressed on the importance of modernising the armed forces to make it into a "Great Wall of Steel".

"Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity," said Xi.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China's new premier Li Qiang on Monday sought to reassure the nation's private sector, saying that the environment for entrepreneurial businesses will improve and equal treatment will be given to companies, regardless of ownership type.

China's new premier Li Qiang on Monday sought to reassure the nation's private sector, saying that the environment for entrepreneurial businesses will improve and equal treatment will be given to companies, regardless of ownership type. Tasked with reviving the world's second-largest economy, the newly installed premier faces multiple challenges including weak consumer and private industry confidence, sluggish exports demand and a souring relationship with the United States. Speaking to the media at his debut press conference as the China premier, Qiang said that the country will also undertake measures to boost jobs, and for that, he said "developing the economy is the fundamental solution". Watch | Xi Jinping handed unprecedented third term as China’s president China's economy is in the doldrums. Last year the nation's economy grew by just three per cent, the target as per AFP was around 5.5 per cent. Due to the impact of strict Covid policies and a property crisis, China missed the goal by a huge margin. Keeping with that, this year's GDP growth target is a conservative five per cent. However, China Premier Li Qiang says that with the nation facing many difficulties, achieving this target would not be easy. Also read | Career bureaucrat, Xi Jinping's ally and now China's second most powerful man: Who is Li Qiang? Notably, the set target is one of the lowest in decades. "I'm afraid that reaching our growth target of around five per cent will be no easy task, and will require that we redouble our efforts," said the China premier at a press conference held to mark the closing of the National People's Congress (NPC). Li is a close ally and longtime confidant of China's President Xi Jinping and was appointed to the nation's second most powerful post last week during the annual session of Beijing's "rubber-stamp" parliament. Also read | Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into a 'Great Wall of steel' Speaking at the closing session of the CCP session, Xi Jinping called for greater self-reliance and said China needs security to develop. He also stressed on the importance of modernising the armed forces to make it into a "Great Wall of Steel". "Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity," said Xi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China premier Li Qiang says achieving 5% growth target 'no easy task'

Li Qiang, the former Shanghai Communist Party chief on Saturday, took over&nbsp;the nation’s number two post and assumed office as the country's premier. The 63-old-year-old Li faces the daunting task of reviving China’s economy, which has over the past three years been battered by COVID-19 curbs. He was appointed to the seven-member CCP Politburo Standing Committee — China’s highest echelon of power — at the Communist Party's 20th Congress last October. With his latest appointment, China Premier Li Qiang now ranks second in leadership after President Xi Jinping.

Watch |&nbsp;Xi Jinping handed unprecedented third term as China’s president

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Here’s all you need to know about China’s second most powerful man:

<h2>Who is Li Qiang?</h2>

Qiang, as per Reuters, is a career bureaucrat who from 2017 to 2022 served as the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) secretary of the nation’s most populous city, Shanghai.

He joined the CCP in 1983 and since then has served in many capacities.

Qiang started his career as the secretary of the Communist Youth League of Rui'an, Zhejiang. He then went on to serve in the provincial department of civil affairs, following which he became the party secretary of Yong Kang, Wenzhou, the Political Legal Affairs Secretary of Zhejiang and later the deputy party secretary of the province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-nominates-longtime-ally-li-qiang-as-chinas-new-premier-570794">Xi Jinping appoints longtime ally and confidant Li Qiang as China’s new premier</a>

In 2012, he became the governor of Zhejiang. He then became the party secretary of Jiangsu province and was then finally transferred to the position of party secretary of Shanghai in 2017. The same year, he was elevated and was made a member of the CCP Politburo. &nbsp;

<h2>Why was he appointed as China’s premier?</h2>

Chinese President Xi Jinping, following his groundbreaking appointment as the third time head of China, is appointing a slate of his loyalists in key governmental posts. This has been termed China’s biggest government reshuffle in a decade. As a generation of more reform-minded officials retire, Xi as per Reuters, is further consolidating power after being unanimously elected president.

Li Qiang is a close ally of Xi, and he even served as Xi’s chief of staff between 2004 and 2007; back when the current President was the provincial party secretary of Zhejiang province.

<h2>What do experts say about Li Qiang’s rise to power?</h2>

Due to Qiang’s handling of Shanghai’s two-month lockdown last spring, in which residents struggled to access food and medical care, his ascension had as per AFP earlier seemed in doubt.

Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, says, "if proof were needed that loyalty trumps meritocracy in Xi's China, Li Qiang's elevation provides it."

"Li might be quite capable, and may make a good premier, but it is hard to see how he got there other than through Xi's personal favour," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-xi-jinping-securing-third-term-as-chinas-president-a-look-at-his-political-career-570544">Explained: Xi Jinping's rule in China extended. A look at his political career so far</a>

Neil Thomas, senior China analyst at Eurasia Group says that while "(Li) was seen as a business-friendly local leader but it's questionable whether these skills will translate well to overseeing macroeconomic coordination and regulatory agendas as premier.”

Some even see Li’s loyalty to Xi as an impediment to making his mark in solving the problems China faces. They say that his appointment may serve as a way for President Xi to assert his own economic agenda.

According to Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute, despite being the president's "trusted lieutenant", the new premier's ability to push through policies is still limited.

"Xi will give Li Qiang more scope to run the State Council, but on the basis that Li Qiang will do what Xi wants and not go beyond the perimeter set by Xi," he remarked.

<h2>What is expected of Li Qiang's premiership?</h2>

In his current capacity as premier and the head of China’s cabinet, the State Council, in his capacity as premier and head of China's cabinet Li Qiang will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the country, as well as its macroeconomic policy.

His ascension comes at a time when China’s economy is in serious trouble. Last year it grew by just three per cent. Owing to this, the ongoing annual session of the Chinese parliament has set a modest growth target of five per cent for 2023. This is the lowest goal set by China in nearly three decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-secures-third-term-as-chinas-president-570435">Leader for life: Xi Jinping secures historic third term as China’s president</a>

As per Christopher Beddor, the deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics, for Li, the top task this year will be beating the five per cent target without triggering serious inflation or piling on debt.

"The leadership has already accepted two years of exceptionally weak economic growth in the name of COVID containment. Now that containment is gone, they won’t accept another," added Beddor.

<h2>What is the current state of China’s economy?</h2>

For the first time in 25 years of its survey, the American Chamber of Commerce in China found that China is no longer seen as a "top three investment priority". The results were based on a survey of companies,&nbsp;the majority of which said this.

In recent years, some of Beijing’s most successful private firms like Alibaba have been battered by abrupt crackdowns and regulatory hurdles.

Even as China tries to present a business-friendly face, in the face of global headwinds and weak confidence among consumers and the private sector, Li will have to work hard to restore confidence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Li Qiang, the former Shanghai Communist Party chief on Saturday, took over the nation’s number two post and assumed office as the country's premier. The 63-old-year-old Li faces the daunting task of reviving China’s economy, which has over the past three years been battered by COVID-19 curbs.

Li Qiang, the former Shanghai Communist Party chief on Saturday, took over the nation’s number two post and assumed office as the country's premier. The 63-old-year-old Li faces the daunting task of reviving China’s economy, which has over the past three years been battered by COVID-19 curbs. He was appointed to the seven-member CCP Politburo Standing Committee — China’s highest echelon of power — at the Communist Party's 20th Congress last October. With his latest appointment, China Premier Li Qiang now ranks second in leadership after President Xi Jinping. Watch | Xi Jinping handed unprecedented third term as China’s president Here’s all you need to know about China’s second most powerful man: Who is Li Qiang? Qiang, as per Reuters, is a career bureaucrat who from 2017 to 2022 served as the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) secretary of the nation’s most populous city, Shanghai. He joined the CCP in 1983 and since then has served in many capacities. Qiang started his career as the secretary of the Communist Youth League of Rui'an, Zhejiang. He then went on to serve in the provincial department of civil affairs, following which he became the party secretary of Yong Kang, Wenzhou, the Political Legal Affairs Secretary of Zhejiang and later the deputy party secretary of the province. Also read | Xi Jinping appoints longtime ally and confidant Li Qiang as China’s new premier In 2012, he became the governor of Zhejiang. He then became the party secretary of Jiangsu province and was then finally transferred to the position of party secretary of Shanghai in 2017. The same year, he was elevated and was made a member of the CCP Politburo. Why was he appointed as China’s premier? Chinese President Xi Jinping, following his groundbreaking appointment as the third time head of China, is appointing a slate of his loyalists in key governmental posts. This has been termed China’s biggest government reshuffle in a decade. As a generation of more reform-minded officials retire, Xi as per Reuters, is further consolidating power after being unanimously elected president. Li Qiang is a close ally of Xi, and he even served as Xi’s chief of staff between 2004 and 2007; back when the current President was the provincial party secretary of Zhejiang province. What do experts say about Li Qiang’s rise to power? Due to Qiang’s handling of Shanghai’s two-month lockdown last spring, in which residents struggled to access food and medical care, his ascension had as per AFP earlier seemed in doubt. Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, says, "if proof were needed that loyalty trumps meritocracy in Xi's China, Li Qiang's elevation provides it." "Li might be quite capable, and may make a good premier, but it is hard to see how he got there other than through Xi's personal favour," he added. Also read | Explained: Xi Jinping's rule in China extended. A look at his political career so far Neil Thomas, senior China analyst at Eurasia Group says that while "(Li) was seen as a business-friendly local leader but it's questionable whether these skills will translate well to overseeing macroeconomic coordination and regulatory agendas as premier.” Some even see Li’s loyalty to Xi as an impediment to making his mark in solving the problems China faces. They say that his appointment may serve as a way for President Xi to assert his own economic agenda. According to Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute, despite being the president's "trusted lieutenant", the new premier's ability to push through policies is still limited. "Xi will give Li Qiang more scope to run the State Council, but on the basis that Li Qiang will do what Xi wants and not go beyond the perimeter set by Xi," he remarked. What is expected of Li Qiang's premiership? In his current capacity as premier and the head of China’s cabinet, the State Council, in his capacity as premier and head of China's cabinet Li Qiang will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the country, as well as its macroeconomic policy. His ascension comes at a time when China’s economy is in serious trouble. Last year it grew by just three per cent. Owing to this, the ongoing annual session of the Chinese parliament has set a modest growth target of five per cent for 2023. This is the lowest goal set by China in nearly three decades. Also read | Leader for life: Xi Jinping secures historic third term as China’s president As per Christopher Beddor, the deputy China research director at Gavekal Dragonomics, for Li, the top task this year will be beating the five per cent target without triggering serious inflation or piling on debt. "The leadership has already accepted two years of exceptionally weak economic growth in the name of COVID containment. Now that containment is gone, they won’t accept another," added Beddor. What is the current state of China’s economy? For the first time in 25 years of its survey, the American Chamber of Commerce in China found that China is no longer seen as a "top three investment priority". The results were based on a survey of companies, the majority of which said this. In recent years, some of Beijing’s most successful private firms like Alibaba have been battered by abrupt crackdowns and regulatory hurdles. Even as China tries to present a business-friendly face, in the face of global headwinds and weak confidence among consumers and the private sector, Li will have to work hard to restore confidence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Career bureaucrat, Xi Jinping's ally and now China's second most powerful man: Who is Li Qiang?

Xi Jinping has been appointed for an unprecedented third term as China's President. It maybe a ceremonial position but the man who holds it is by far the most powerful person in china after he was re-affirmed as the head of the Communist Party and the military last year. However he faces multiple challenges back home in Beijing and abroad.

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Career bureaucrat, Xi Jinping's ally and now China's second most powerful man: Who is Li Qiang?

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