Former Vice-Premier Liu Yandong dies in Beijing at age 81

Former Vice-Premier Liu Yandong has passed away in Beijing due to illness at the age of 81.

Born in 1945 and a native of Jiangsu, Liu worked for nearly a decade as a factory worker before entering politics.

She served as the head of the United Front Work Department, Vice-Chairperson of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and a member of the Political Bureau.

Appointed as a State Councillor in 2008, she later served as vice-premier from 2013 until 2018.

Her notable diplomatic visits included trips to Hong Kong in 2004 and 2009.