Chinese grieve popular ex-premier Li Keqiang in quiet show of dissent

Li's death has come at a time when China is facing a number of challenges, including a slowing economy, rising unemployment, and a growing crackdown on dissent. Many Chinese people are hoping that Li's death will serve as a wake-up call for Xi and lead him to change course.

On the day of Li's funeral, national flags flew at half-mast across China. However, the state media coverage of his death was muted. In contrast, there has been a outpouring of grief for Li on social media, with many Chinese people using his death to express their frustration with the current government.

"Li Keqiang was a good man who cared about the people," one person wrote on Weibo. "He was the only one who dared to speak out against Xi Jinping's excesses. He will be missed."

"I am so sad to hear about the death of Li Keqiang," another person wrote. "He was the last hope for China. I don't know what the future holds for our country without him."

Li's death is a major blow to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He was one of the most respected and popular leaders in the country. His death is also a sign of the growing dissatisfaction with Xi Jinping's rule.

It is unclear how the CCP will respond to the outpouring of grief for Li. The government has already cracked down on dissent in recent years. However, the public outpouring of grief for Li could force the government to make some concessions.

It is also possible that Li's death could lead to a power struggle within the CCP. Li was a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the highest decision-making body in China. His death has created a vacancy on the committee, and it is unclear who will replace him.

The power struggle within the CCP is likely to be intense. Li's supporters are likely to back a more moderate and pragmatic leader, while Xi Jinping's supporters are likely to back a more hardline leader. The outcome of this power struggle will have a significant impact on the future of China.