Li dig at Xi

  

In cryptic lingo, Premier Li says rivers only flow forward

Speaking under a bright blue sky, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang declared, "China's reform and opening-up will continue to move on."

He was speaking in front of officials during an inspection tour of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Aug. 16-17.

What he said next has been the talk of the town. "The Yellow River and Yangtze River will not flow backward."

When Chinese leaders speak of sensitive topics, such as passing the baton to the next generation, or discuss important policy trends, they often use Yellow and Yangtze river analogies.

Delicate subjects are easier to address when compared to rivers. And the analogies often carry cryptic codes.

Was it a dig at President Xi Jinping?