Health Rumors Swirling Around Chinese Dictator Xi Jinping After He Appears Sick at Uncomfortable at Brics Summit in New Delhi

Rumors about the health of Chinese President Xi Jinping intensified this week following his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where observers noted signs of physical discomfort. The speculation remains unconfirmed by official sources.

On September 12, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's opening remarks, Modi paused twice and asked Xi, "Is it OK?" after noticing the Chinese leader appeared uneasy. Aides approached Xi, and some Indian media suggested the moment may have involved a microphone or translation issue rather than a medical event. Xi later skipped a gala dinner hosted by Modi; sources cited travel fatigue after a packed schedule. Footage of Xi walking to and from his aircraft also circulated, with some commentators describing his gait as unsteady.

"Due to the long distance, Xi Jinping has already missed the golden window for rescue and surgery. Currently, after completing surgery at Beijing's 301 Hospital, Xi Jinping is under observation in the ICU and has not yet escaped life-threatening danger."

On September 16, Xie Wanjun, chairman of the overseas China Democracy Party, posted a more specific claim. Citing unnamed eyewitnesses, he said Xi suffered an emergency in India, refused treatment at a local hospital out of concern that Indian authorities would obtain his medical information, returned immediately by special plane, and was taken by military helicopter from Beijing airport to the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital). The post alleged Xi underwent surgery, lost the "golden window" for treatment due to the long flight, and remains in ICU observation without being out of danger. The account has been repeated across social media and some Indian and overseas Chinese-language outlets.

Chinese state media and the Foreign Ministry reported that Xi returned to Beijing on the evening of September 13 after concluding the summit, traveling on the same flight as senior officials including Cai Qi and Wang Yi. Subsequent official items issued in Xi's name include a congratulatory letter to Jilin University on September 16 and an article on basic research. No official statement has addressed the hospital or ICU claims, and no independent verification has emerged.

Health speculation about Xi has recurred for years amid the Chinese Communist Party's tight control of information about top leaders. Similar rumors have circulated after other public appearances, often originating from dissident accounts or overseas commentators and later fading without confirmation. Beijing has not released medical details, consistent with longstanding practice.

"It is rumored that, due to Xi Jinping's fear that the Indian side might obtain his health information, he refused emergency treatment and surgery at an Indian hospital. Instead, he immediately arranged for a special plane to return to Beijing and planned to undergo emergency treatment and surgery at Beijing's 301 Hospital. Due to the long distance, Xi Jinping has already missed the golden window for rescue and surgery. Currently, after completing surgery at Beijing's 301 Hospital, Xi Jinping is under observation in the ICU and has not yet escaped life-threatening danger." From 谢万军 Wanjun Xie @WanjunXie, Translated from Chinese