2015年CRI 新加坡前总理李光耀病逝享年91岁 张高丽出席中国发展高层论坛开幕式（在线收听）

Singaporean statesman Lee Kuan Yew has died.

The Prime Minister's Office says the 91-year old died this morning after weeks of battling pneumonia.

Lee Kwan Yew served as the city-state's first Prime Minister for 31 years.

He was Singapore's first Prime Minister after independence.

During his tenure, Lee has been credited with transforming Singapore into one of world's wealthiest countries and financial hubs.

However, his governance style also drew criticism, setting out a series of laws which many say has turned Singapore into "a nanny state."

Chinese vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli has helped open the China Development Forum in Beijing.

He's used his opening speech to address the government's plans for the so-called "new normal" for the economy, saying it will require new thinking and new steps.

Zhang Gaoli says they're working on initiatives to spur innovation and entrepreneurship.

He also says the government still expects to maintain a medium-to-high level of growth and development.