Having promised to restructure China’s economy in his economic report at the Two Sessions meeting in March, Premier Li Keqiang is struggling to implement his reform agenda in the face of powerful local interests, Wang Xiangwei writes at South China Morning Post:

According to mainland media reports, Li chaired at least two cabinet meetings over the past two weeks to focus on ways to streamline and delegate government regulatory powers.

At one meeting, on May 30, Li reportedly pounded the table as he blasted local officials for inertia in carrying out central government directives.

He accused departments of micromanaging the economy and wasting time and resources examining and approving projects and deals that were entirely commercial matters unrelated to national security or strategic industries.

[…] His cabinet announced last week that the central government would send inspection teams nationwide to ensure local authorities comply with Beijing’s directives.

Li reportedly lamented the long-standing problem vexing mainland leaders: that central government directives never make it outside Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of Chinese leaders, meaning they are either ignored by local authorities or twisted to suit their needs. [Source]