China's former premier Li Keqiang died early on Friday at the age of 68, according to state media.

China Central Television says Li had a heart attack and died shortly after midnight in Shanghai after all rescue measures failed.

Li started his political career in the Communist Youth League of China, the ruling Communist Party's youth organization. In 1999, he took charge of the province of Henan, becoming China's youngest provincial governor.

After serving as the party secretary of Liaoning Province, Li was elected in 2007 as a member of the party's Politburo Standing Committee. He joined the Committee at the same time as the current President Xi Jinping. They both achieved unprecedented rapid promotion.

Li assumed the post of premier in 2013 and served for two terms. He stepped down in March this year due to the expiration of his term under a constitutional provision.