Though Li Keqiang, right, has been hotly tipped to be China's next premier, his fellow vice premier, Wang Qishan, left, is now presenting a strong challenge and is favored by former premier Zhu Rongji. (File Photo/Xinhua)

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan may be the major rival of Li Keqiang, another vice premier, to succeed Wen Jiaobao as the country's next premier.

Li has always been Chinese President Hu Jintao's favorite candidate but Wang has the support of former premier Zhu Rongji.

An anonymous source said that Wang has stands a better chance than Li at the moment in terms of foreign affairs in the government departments related to banking and finance. The source said Li will need more support from Hu if he wants to remain a contender, as Wang has won more support from foreign leaders so far.

References:

Wang Qishan 王岐山

Li Keqiang 李克強

Wen Jiaobao 溫家寶

Hu Jintao 胡錦濤

Zhu Rongji 朱鎔基