Anecdotes reveal why Premier Li's quick wit is famous

Premier Li Keqiang gestures during the news conference after the closing session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, March 15, 2015. [Photo/China Daily]

At a press conference following the conclusion of this year's two sessions in March, a journalist introduced himself as "a reporter with People's Daily, Peopole.com, and the official Weibo account of People's Daily" before posing his questions. "(You're such an important guy that) you have three titles!" said Premier Li, and everybody roared with laughter.

In another instance, a journalist with Associated Press asked his question in Chinese and then repeated it in English. "You translated the question yourself (which is supposed to be the work of the translator), then maybe you should get double pay, too," said Premier Li.