Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Absence at BRICS Dinner Sparks Health Speculation
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Chinese President Xi Jinping's Absence at BRICS Dinner Sparks Health Speculation
- Chinese President Xi Jinping unexpectedly missed a gala dinner for leaders at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12, 2026, leading to widespread speculation about his health.
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While Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended in his place, official Chinese sources reported Xi’s participation in other summit events on September 13, 2026.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from a high-profile gala dinner during the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, on September 12, 2026, has ignited considerable speculation regarding his health. Xi had been expected to attend the dinner, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but canceled at the last minute, with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi attending in his stead.
The Chinese government has not provided an official explanation for Xi’s absence. However, some sources indicated that he was feeling unwell and returned to his hotel to rest. This incident occurred just days before a planned summit between Xi and U.S. President Donald Trump, tentatively scheduled for September 24, which further amplified concerns about his well-being and potential implications for China’s leadership succession.
Despite the missed dinner, official Chinese reports, accompanied by photographs, confirmed Xi’s presence and speech at the second phase of the BRICS Summit on September 13, the day after the dinner. Chinese state media also reported his departure from New Delhi at noon on September 13, stating he had “successfully concluded” his summit attendance. Photos reportedly showed him climbing the stairs to his plane unaided.
Nonetheless, the lack of an official explanation from Beijing has fueled various unverified claims circulating on social media, including allegations of a severe ischemic stroke. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed some of these claims as “fake and misleading.” This is not the first time questions about Xi’s health have emerged, with previous speculation arising after his visit to Kyrgyzstan when footage showed him descending aircraft steps slowly. The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi brought together leaders from 11 member countries and 10 partner countries from September 12-13, 2026.