Theories abound with absence of Jinping from public view for two weeks and upcoming BRICS summit
Premier Li Qiang will attend the BRICS summit in Brazil later this week, China said on Wednesday, confirming reports that President Xi Jinping will not be attending the meeting of the emerging economies for the first time since he took over power 12 years ago.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told media persons that Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will attend the 17th BRICS Summit upon invitation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 5 to 8.
“At the invitation of Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang will pay an official visit to Egypt from July 9 to 10,” she said
The absence of Jinping from public view and reduced media references for almost two weeks and now during the upcoming BRICS summit has given rise to many speculations and theories, including a possible power shift in China and his health.
According to some reports, Jinping may be facing some critical illness due to which he is not being seen in public, according to others he may be facing internal party challenges or being deliberately sidelined.
The sudden disappearance of prominent individuals in China is not uncommon, while some eventually reappear, others remain missing, also raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
