Xi Jinping's absence from public events sparks speculation, China responds with photos

BEIJING: Amid ongoing speculation fueled by Western media reports over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from public events in recent weeks, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, People’s Daily, has released his latest photographs.

Messages sent by Xi to various world leaders have also reappeared in Chinese media after a gap. Photos released yesterday show Xi attending events in China’s northern Shanxi province on July 7. All images were captioned with his full titles: “President of China, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission,” highlighting his supreme authority over both the party and the military.

Rumours had been circulating that Xi had delegated some responsibilities. Photos from a June 27 meeting in Beijing with Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa were also released.

Speculation intensified after Xi skipped the BRICS summit held in Brazil. Reports suggested internal moves to unseat him, or that he was bedridden due to illness. China has not officially responded to these claims.

Not his first disappearance This is not the first time Xi has been absent from public view. In 2022, he vanished from public events for several weeks, only to suddenly reappear at a Communist Party event in Beijing. At the time, rumours claimed he had been placed under house arrest by the People’s Liberation Army and that General Li Qiaoming, Commander of the Northern Theater Command, had taken over the presidency.

Invites Trump to China On June 5, Xi reportedly had a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which trade tensions were discussed. Trump later stated that Xi invited him to China, and he had extended an invitation to Xi to visit the U.S.

No opposition Xi Jinping holds absolute control over the Chinese Communist Party. At the 20th National Congress of the Party in 2022, he was elevated as the country’s supreme leader. A constitutional amendment allowing him to continue as president for a third term was passed without opposition. During the same congress, Xi removed several top leaders who had completed ten years in power and filled key positions with loyalists. Trusted aides were placed in both the 24-member Politburo and the powerful seven-member Politburo Standing Committee — the highest decision-making body in the Party.