China's next premier: Xi loyalist who oversaw Shanghai lockdown October 22, 2022 at 10:32PM

Li Qiang, a close ally of the newly re-appointed Chinese leader, was elevated to the No.2 position on the seven-man Standing Committee on Sunday, putting him on track to take over the economic management role. Current Premier Li Keqiang, a more reform-minded voice, will step down in March after the maximum two terms.