Beijing: China's former Premier Li Keqiang has passed away due to a sudden heart attack, less than a year after stepping down from his role as the country's second-highest-ranking leader. He was 68 years old.

Li served alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping for two terms, but his influence waned as Xi consolidated more power over China's government and economy.

Once viewed as a reformist leader and a contender for the top leadership position in China, Li's tenure as premier was marked by a slide towards greater authoritarianism and a failure to fully implement his economic reform agenda, known as "Likonomics."

His death was reported by state media, and social media in China witnessed an outpouring of grief. Li was a prominent economist who advocated for a more open market economy, but he ultimately had to align with Xi's preference for greater state control.

In the final year of his leadership, Li warned of economic challenges, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was known for addressing societal issues and emphasizing the importance of lifting people out of poverty.

Despite his efforts and vision, Li's political influence dwindled, and he was sidelined in his later years. His passing marks the end of an era in Chinese politics, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled economic reforms and dashed hopes of a more open China.