Social media claims surface on Xi Jinping's health after BRICS summit

Fresh speculation about the health of Chinese President Xi Jinping has erupted internationally and on social media. Ji Wanjun, chairman of the Chinese Democratic Party (CDP), has claimed that Xi's health deteriorated significantly after he took part in the 18th BRICS summit in India and returned to Beijing.

According to Ji Wanjun's claim, Xi was taken straight from Beijing airport by military helicopter to Beijing 301 Military Hospital (PLA General Hospital), where he was immediately treated. Citing purported eyewitnesses, Wanjun said that when Xi returns from foreign trips, he is usually given a formal welcome at the airport with a large gathering of officials and a red carpet. This time, however, there was no formal ceremony at the airport and no senior officials were present. Wanjun said Xi being taken to hospital in such secrecy suggests his health condition is worrying.

Many noticed Xi appeared unwell during the first session of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while delivering his speech, paused for a few seconds on noticing Xi's discomfort and asked his translator "is he okay". A video of the moment went viral on social media, showing a Chinese official approaching Xi and handing him something. Some Indian media outlets suggested this could be related to a microphone or translation device, while international analysts have raised questions about Xi's health.

Modi and Xi held an important bilateral meeting during the BRICS summit. However, Xi did not attend the gala dinner organised by Modi for all global leaders on the evening of the first day of the summit. The Chinese delegation did not officially disclose any reason for this, though sources said he preferred to rest at the hotel due to fatigue and ill health. Some photos and videos showed his left side appearing weak and unsteady while climbing the aircraft steps.

These claims by Ji Wanjun and opposition groups have not yet been independently verified. Neither the Chinese government, the Communist Party, nor Beijing 301 Hospital have issued any official information or response regarding Xi's health. Extreme secrecy around the personal lives and health of top leaders in China has made it difficult to verify the truth of these claims.