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Li Keqiang, China’s second highest ranking official (after President Xi Jinping), ascended to office on March 15th, 2013 after spending more than 4 years as Executive Vice-Premier under then-Premier Wen Jiabao.
Li, who became governor of Henan Province in 1998, inherited an HIV blood bank scandal that resulted in the deaths of as many as 100,000 people.
While most of the infections occurred before he took office, Li was roundly criticized for his passive handling (and attempts of covering up) the fallout from the crisis.
Remarkably, Li has managed to rise to the rank of Premier despite a longstanding reputation for `bad luck’.
As governor of Henan Province he saw a series of disasters on his watch, including the shopping mall fire in Luoyang which killed more than 300 on Christmas day in 2000.
Five years later, when he was party secretary of Liaoning province, a mine explosion claimed 214 lives.
For more, CNN has a detailed history of his career.
In what may feel like a case of déjà vu for Li, just two weeks after assuming his new office news of another public health crisis – the H7N9 virus - emerged from China.
This time, in contrast to his more passive handling of earlier crises, Li appears willing to get visibly out in front of this outbreak.
Yesterday Li visited China’s CDC, and warned that while countermeasures appear to be working, that officials must be prepared for any possible development.
Chinese premier stresses vigilance against H7N9
English.news.cn | 2013-04-28 15:30:25
BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday urged authorities to be vigilant against the H7N9 avian flu virus and prepare themselves for any new developments.
"Countermeasures have been effective so far, but the situation is still developing as new cases turn up," he said while visiting the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"We cannot afford to take it easy or relax, as we are facing a new virus," he said. "We should be prepared for any possible development."
Li urged health departments to find the source of the infections and step up research on the virus.
More efforts should be made to diagnose and treat infected people as early as possible, he said.
Li pledged to spare no efforts in treating infected patients and reducing casualties.
"We will make sure no patients have to deal with delayed treatment because of costs," he said.
Li said the government will continue to cooperate with international organizations, release information openly and improve public awareness of the virus.
Unlike most of China’s leadership, Li reportedly speaks fluent English.
