Barackface: Where Is Xi Jinping?

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Where Is Xi Jinping?

As of July 2, 2025, there is no official report that Chinese President Xi Jinping is missing or absent from public life. However, a notable 16-day disappearance from May 21 to June 5, 2025—during which Xi was absent from public appearances, state media, and official functions—sparked significant speculation about his whereabouts.

Since then, there have been reports of his reappearance, including a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in early June 2025, though the setting was more informal than usual. Xi was also said to have spoken at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024 and reportedly had a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump in early June 2025. Still, his decision to skip the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil (July 5–8, 2025)—with Premier Li Qiang attending in his place—has reignited questions about his status.

To date, the Chinese government and state media have issued no definitive statement confirming Xi's current location or status. The lack of transparency in China's political system continues to fuel speculation whenever top leaders are not visibly active.

Rumors About His Disappearance

During Xi’s 16-day absence, the vacuum of information led to a flurry of rumors, driven by foreign analysts, intelligence chatter, and social media speculation. Key theories include:

1. Power Struggle or Coup Speculation

Posts on X and media reports suggested Xi might be facing a power shift within the Communist Party. Some pointed to internal factionalism involving reformist leaders like Hu Jintao or Wang Yang, who may be gaining ground.
Unverified claims of a military coup surfaced, with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), allegedly taking on a more prominent role. Rumors also claimed Xi's allies in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had been purged.
One viral post alleged Xi agreed to resign to protect his family—though no credible evidence backs this.

2. Health Concerns

Some speculated that Xi suffered a stroke and was recovering under house arrest. No confirmation has been provided, and the claims remain purely speculative.
His absence from high-profile events like the June 6 loyalty ceremony—attended by over 50 ministers—fueled these rumors.

3. Purge of Allies and Internal Instability

Xi’s absence coincided with the disappearance of top officials, including former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, and General He Weidong.
Analysts debated whether this was part of Xi’s continued power consolidation or signs of internal resistance and political instability.
The broader context includes economic distress: high youth unemployment (15%), a stagnant real estate sector, and faltering tech investments.

4. Succession Rumors

Reports indicated Wang Yang, a respected technocrat and former vice premier, is being quietly positioned as a potential successor.
Mentions of “Xi Jinping Thought” in official media have reportedly decreased, hinting at a possible shift away from Xi’s ideological dominance.
The marginalization of Xi’s allies without formal dismissals aligns with CCP tactics used in previous leadership transitions.

5. Symbolic and Ceremonial Absences

Xi’s absence from the State Council oath-taking ceremony and his withdrawal from the BRICS summit were viewed as highly symbolic, possibly indicating a weakened position.
Some reports claimed that Xi’s father’s mausoleum had been “un-named” and his personal security detail reduced—though these details remain unverified.

What Is Going On?

Xi Jinping’s disappearance and the rumors it sparked are products of China’s opaque political system, domestic challenges, and sensational foreign reporting. Here's a breakdown:

1. Opacity of the Political System

China’s state-controlled media and limited transparency mean that even short-term absences of top leaders lead to widespread speculation.
The CCP has a history of quietly sidelining senior figures without public explanation (e.g., Hu Jintao, Qin Gang, Li Shangfu), lending plausibility to theories of internal tension.
The lack of state media coverage or official statements between May 21 and June 5 added to the perception of a leadership crisis.

2. Internal Challenges

China faces mounting economic pressures: stagnant GDP growth, high youth unemployment, and ongoing real estate woes.
Simultaneously, a wave of military and political purges raises questions: Is Xi tightening control, or is he responding to threats?
The disappearance of military figures like General He Weidong suggests turbulence within the PLA.

3. Speculative and Biased Reporting

Many of the most dramatic claims originated from Western media, intelligence sources, or social media—often lacking corroboration.
Posts alleging strokes, resignations, or coups should be treated with caution unless supported by verifiable evidence.
While the narrative of regime instability is appealing to geopolitical rivals, it may reflect wishful thinking more than reality.

4. Xi’s Continued Influence

Despite the speculation, Xi retains his official titles: President of China, General Secretary of the CCP, and Chairman of the CMC.
His ideological framework—“Xi Jinping Thought”—was still highlighted in diplomatic settings during his absence.
No formal announcements suggest he has been removed or sidelined.

5. Geopolitical Implications

Xi’s absence has raised concerns among neighbors, particularly India, which is closely watching potential instability across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
His BRICS no-show may reflect domestic preoccupations, including preparations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), rather than any retreat from global affairs.

A Critical Perspective

The rumors surrounding Xi's disappearance illustrate how secrecy breeds speculation. While some signs point to internal strife—such as the timing of purges and visible absences—there is no hard evidence of a coup, forced resignation, or incapacitation.

It is equally plausible that Xi took time to restructure party leadership, address domestic crises, or recover from a personal health issue. These are not uncommon in authoritarian regimes, where top-down control thrives on opacity.

At the same time, the Western media’s appetite for stories of Chinese regime collapse should be viewed with a critical lens. Intelligence claims without details, unnamed whistleblowers, and vague “sources familiar with the matter” are not sufficient to declare the end of Xi’s reign.

Conclusion

As of July 2, 2025, Xi Jinping’s whereabouts remain officially unconfirmed, but he is presumed to be in China, potentially focusing on internal matters. His 16-day disappearance (May 21–June 5) sparked global speculation—from health concerns to coups to succession planning.

While real tensions within the CCP and China’s economic troubles are evident, the more dramatic narratives remain unsubstantiated. Until reliable confirmation emerges from within the Chinese system, the global community would be wise to treat the rumors with caution.

For credible updates, follow official CCP announcements, though they are unlikely to offer clarity on factional power shifts or behind-the-scenes purges.