Health problems? The unusual demands of China's president in the US

A Wall Street Journal report reveals that Chinese President Xi Jinping required unusual rest breaks during his visit to Washington, including a demand for a private room in the West Wing of the White House. The Chinese delegation rejected a planned working dinner with Trump, creating a gap of about five hours in the schedule. Xi appeared to need physical support from his wife, and his movements were documented as cautious.

A Wall Street Journal report reveals that Chinese President Xi Jinping required unusual rest breaks during his visit to Washington. The Chinese delegation demanded that the Americans provide him with a private room in the West Wing of the White House, where only his wife, Peng Liyuan, was allowed to join him. The Chinese side rejected a working dinner planned between Xi and US President Donald Trump on September 24, the only full day of the summit. As a result, a gap of about five hours was created in the schedule, an unusual period for a visit lasting less than two days. Xi arrived after a flight of about 14 hours, but experts emphasize that the duration of the breaks is unusual for such a short visit. Footage from the visit shows Xi holding his wife with one hand and a railing with the other while descending from the plane, and at the National Archives they held hands throughout the ascent as he used her for physical support. A former senior official at the US National Security Council described the request for a rest room as unprecedented. Despite questions about his physical condition, experts on Chinese leadership said they see no signs of cognitive decline in his public appearances.