Chinese Mourn Death of Pragmatic Former Premier Li Keqiang, Seen as Moderate Counter to Xi Jinping

Thousands of Chinese citizens mourned former premier Li Keqiang after his death, despite government censorship and discouragement.

Li was seen as more pragmatic and focused on people's needs compared to Xi Jinping's nationalism.

Li admitted China's problems like rural poverty, unlike Xi who demands no criticism.

Li wanted accountability and checks on government power, unlike Xi's one-man rule.

Chinese citizens miss the era where officials were judged on performance, not ideology, which Li represented.