Wave of rumors in Beijing: Where did China's president disappear to just before the summit with Trump?
The sudden absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from a BRICS leaders' dinner in India, days before a planned summit with Trump in Washington, has sparked a wave of rumors about his health. Xi canceled his participation at the last minute, claiming he "did not feel well." In China, the leader's health is a state secret, and the lack of a designated successor amplifies the uncertainty.
The sudden absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 73, from a ceremonial dinner of BRICS leaders in New Delhi, India, earlier this month, has sparked a wave of rumors about his health. Xi canceled his participation at the last minute, claiming he "did not feel well," and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took his place. The absence was particularly notable given that this was Xi's first visit to India in seven years, and after he had already confirmed his attendance at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Social media began circulating rumors of a stroke or fainting, but there is no evidence for this. The Indian Foreign Ministry dismissed the claims, calling them "fake news." In China, the leader's health is considered a state secret, and the secrecy is especially acute given that Xi has never appointed a successor. The big test is expected next week, when Xi is scheduled to land in Washington for his first state visit to the US in over a decade, and hold a summit with President Trump on issues including artificial intelligence, Iran, Taiwan, and global trade. Trump told reporters on Friday: "We will have a very good meeting."