Rumors Swirl Over Xi Jinping’s Health After BRICS Summit

Fresh rumors about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health are spreading online following the BRICS summit in New Delhi, with unverified claims alleging that the Chinese leader collapsed and suffered an ischemic stroke.

The allegations were circulated by Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party, who claimed on social media that Xi fainted during the summit and was subsequently flown back to Beijing for medical treatment. Xie further alleged that Xi was taken to Beijing’s 301 Hospital and diagnosed with a severe ischemic stroke.

The claims have attracted attention among international observers, but there is currently no independent confirmation that Xi collapsed, suffered a stroke, underwent surgery or was hospitalized.

China’s official account presents a different picture. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Xi returned to Beijing at noon on September 13 after successfully completing his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit. It also said Indian officials saw him off at the airport in New Delhi.

Xi had participated publicly in the summit and held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the meeting. The Associated Press reported that the two leaders discussed efforts to improve relations between China and India.

The conflicting accounts have fueled speculation online, particularly because information about the health of China’s top leadership is often closely controlled.

For now, however, reports that Xi Jinping suffered an ischemic stroke should be treated as unconfirmed claims rather than established fact. No official Chinese or Indian statement has confirmed such a medical emergency.

The situation could change if Chinese authorities, Indian officials or credible independent reporting provide further evidence about Xi’s condition.