Former Chinese Vice-Premier Liu Yandong Dies at 81

Liu Yandong, a former Chinese vice premier and state councilor, died of illness in Beijing on Oct. 28, 2026, at age 81. A prominent woman in the Chinese Communist Party’s senior ranks, she served on its Politburo and held leadership roles in united front work, education, science and technology, health care, and women’s and children’s affairs. Officials in Hong Kong and Macao mourned her, citing her support for their development and her engagement with residents, institutions, and local affairs, and extended condolences to her family.