Chinese President Xi Jinping's unexpected absence from a BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi on September 13 has ignited a flurry of questions regarding his health and the implications for China's leadership succession. Xi's no-show at the event, which he had been expected to attend, led to online rumors suggesting serious illness or even a stroke, though the Indian Ministry of External Affairs dismissed these as "fake news." Footage of Xi boarding his plane unaided also circulated, and the Wall Street Journal noted a lack of evidence to support severe health issues.
Despite the lack of official confirmation regarding his health, the Chinese authorities have not provided an explanation for Xi's absence, fueling continued speculation. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that Xi, who is 73, abolished presidential term limits in 2018 and has not designated a clear successor. The opaque nature of China's leadership health information has historically contributed to such rumors, and this incident highlights concerns about how power would be transferred if the supreme leader faced health challenges.
The health speculation also casts a shadow over Xi's planned visit to the United States next week for a summit with President Donald Trump on September 24. This meeting is set to cover critical issues including trade, artificial intelligence, and cross-strait relations. While his schedule for the U.S. visit currently shows no changes, a refusal to attend the summit would cause significant shock. The Wall Street Journal reported that people familiar with the situation confirmed the visit is still on, with Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent scheduled to meet this weekend to discuss the upcoming summit.
Adding to the intrigue, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who did attend the BRICS dinner, subsequently fell ill and withdrew from public engagements upon returning from the summit. This has led to speculation that food served at the BRICS event could be a factor, though this remains unconfirmed. The dinner itself was notable for its vegetarian menu, which drew criticism from some Indian opposition parties who accused Prime Minister Modi of disregarding India's cultural diversity.
