China Mourns Passing of Former Premier Li Keqiang: Shock, Sadness, and Respectful Tributes Across Domestic and International Spheres

The news was met with a mix of shock and sadness across various social media platforms in China, particularly on Weibo - the Chinese equivalent of Twitter. Many netizens were quick to express their condolences and share their respects towards Li Keqiang's contributions to both domestic and international politics.

One post on Hangtian Weibo reads: "After listening to Premier Li Keqiang's story about a migrant worker, tears couldn't stop. He said we should treat them well - including my father." This post highlights the compassionate side of Li Keqiang and his dedication towards uplifting marginalized communities in China.

Another Weibo user shared a video of Li Keqiang during a press conference, emphasizing the importance of Sino-Japanese relations: "He played an important role in promoting Sino-Japanese relations." This highlights Li's contributions towards fostering diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

In addition to Weibo, netizens from various countries also paid their respects to Li Keqiang. The Canadian embassy shared its condolences, stating that Mr. Li actively contributed to exchanges between Canada and China. Similarly, the Swiss Embassy in China extended its sympathy towards Li's family, acknowledging his visit during his tenure as Prime Minister and witnessing the signing of the Sino-Swiss FTA (Free Trade Agreement).

Furthermore, several national leaders from countries like the United States, Singapore, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia expressed their condolences for Li's passing. Their statements highlight the global impact and respect that Li commanded on an international level.

Apart from the virtual expressions of sympathy, real-life tributes were also observed in China. On Hefei Red Star Road, citizens came to lay flowers spontaneously as a mark of respect towards Li Keqiang's legacy. His contributions towards promoting Sino-Russian cooperation were recognized during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on December 5th, 2022 in Beijing.

Li Keqiang was a well-respected figure across international borders and played an active role in shaping China's domestic and foreign policies. This news has certainly come as a shock to many, but his contributions will always be remembered through the reactions of those who were inspired by his leadership.

In conclusion, Li Keqiang's passing is not only a loss for China but also for the global community due to his significant role in international politics and diplomacy. The reactions from Weibo netizens, foreign leaders, and real-life tributes reflect the enormous impact he had on many lives and nations. His legacy will continue to live on through the various initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure as Premier of the State Council of China.