The passing of former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has elicited mixed sentiments within China and beyond. While the Chinese public mourns his departure, the Uyghur and Tibetan communities, who have borne the brunt of repressive policies, hold a starkly different view. Notably, Li's involvement in the Chinese government's crackdown on Uyghurs and Tibetans, along with his economic policy's impact on these marginalized groups, has sparked deep-seated grievances and animosity.

Li, although overshadowed by President Xi Jinping, played a significant role in the oppressive tactics employed against the Uyghur population, as documented in the leaked Xinjiang Papers. These documents unveiled the grim reality of mass detentions, forced labor, and sterilizations, constituting what several nations have classified as genocide. Li's involvement in crafting repressive policies, including the internment of Uyghurs in "re-education" camps and their coerced involvement in forced factory labor, has cast a shadow on his legacy.

Jojje Olsson, a prominent voice on Chinese affairs, has dismissed the notion of romanticizing Li as a "man of the people," citing his role in perpetuating human rights abuses against the Uyghurs and Tibetans. Similarly, Adrian Zenz's research has pointed to Li's implementation of economic policies facilitating forced labor among the Uyghur population, compounding the suffering of an already marginalized community.

For the Uyghurs and Tibetans, Li's premiership represented a period of continued oppression and neglect. His failure to address human rights abuses in Tibet during his visit to the region in 2018 further exacerbated existing grievances. Bawa Kelsang Gyaltsen, the representative of the Office of Tibet in Taiwan, highlighted the persisting dire human rights situation in Tibet, underscoring the disillusionment and disappointment prevalent among Tibetan communities.

The complex legacy of Li Keqiang underscores the contrasting perspectives within China and the communities affected by his policies. While he may be mourned by some, his tenure remains a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for human rights and justice within China's minority communities.