Remarks from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on the importance of small businesses appear to be at odds with President Xi Jinping’s view, further fueling rumors of disharmony in China’s leadership.

According to a report on the Chinese government website, Li expressed support for small shops and stalls in a visit to the eastern city of Yantai on Monday. This is in contrast with Xi’s comments last month which emphasised the role of state-owned enterprises.

Li, China’s second in command, said small businesses were vital to the economy as they created jobs, adding that the country’s development depended on the health of the market, corporations and individual businesses.

Last month, Xi said in his visit to Shaanxi that state enterprises had played a critical role in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged them to continue to support the revival of the economy as the country emerged from the pandemic.

Disagreement between Xi and Li is a matter of frequent speculation. Alleged discord between the two have fueled long-standing rumors of a power struggle as part of Xi’s efforts to consolidate power. Last week, Li said 600 million people in China were still impoverished. This was compared to Xi’s goal to eliminate poverty by 2020.

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