The first vice-premier takes over duties of the premier at the time of the latter's incapacity. The incumbent vice premiers, in order of rank, are Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Liu Guozhong.
When a prime minister becomes incapacitated, the first vice-premier assumes their duties.  The order of seniority among the vice-premiers is Ding Xuexiang, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, and Liu Guozhong.