China’s former vice-premier Liu Yandong dies at age 80

Former Chinese vice-premier Liu Yandong died of illness on Wednesday at the age of 80. She was one of China’s most prominent female leaders, playing a pivotal role in the country’s united front work and education sector. Xinhua, which announced her death on Wednesday afternoon, described Liu as an “outstanding leader in the [Communist] Party’s united front work, in China’s education, science and technology, healthcare, and women and children’s affairs”. Liu was vice-premier from 2013 to 2018....