Xi Jinping’s unexplained absence and the missing May Politburo report have fueled speculation about developments in Beijing.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has not appeared in public since May 25, while state media have also failed to publish the customary announcement of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP’s) monthly Politburo meeting, prompting renewed speculation about developments behind the scenes in Beijing.
As at June 4, Xi had been absent from public view for 10 days, an unusual gap for China’s top leader during a period that has also seen a series of high-level personnel changes across provincial and central regime positions.
The absence has drawn attention because it coincides with another break from established political routines: The CCP’s state news agency Xinhua has not reported a May meeting of the CCP’s Politburo, despite such meetings typically being held at the end of each month and publicly announced afterward.
Xi usually chairs Politburo meetings and often focuses on economic policy, Party governance, or major policy documents. While personnel decisions and other sensitive topics are generally not disclosed, official summaries typically conclude with the phrase that the meeting also “considered other matters.”
This year, however, no such announcement for May has appeared as of the time of publication. The CCP has not publicly commented on Xi’s absence.
Last Public Appearance
Xi’s last public appearance was on the evening of May 25 at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, where he presented Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic with China’s Friendship Medal, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier that day, Xi held talks with Vucic during the Serbian leader’s state visit to China and also met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, later hosted a banquet for the Serbian delegation.
Since then, state-owned media Xinhua has carried only routine reports involving congratulatory messages, letters, and references to Xi’s previous speeches.
