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Opinion
Shuli Ren

Is China's No. 2 Staging a Stealth Covid-Zero Protest?

The premier’s economic warning to local officials points to concerns over the mounting costs of mass lockdowns and testing.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Photographer: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images AsiaPac
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It’s not easy being second in command. China’s Premier Li Keqiang, sidelined for years by President Xi Jinping, should know this better than anyone else.

In recent weeks, Li has re-emerged with his own voice. He has been pressing officials to stabilize an economy ravaged by draconian Covid-related lockdowns, while Xi has continued to push the zero-tolerance policy.