Rumors Fly Over Xi Jinping’s Absence From Public Eye Ahead of Third Term Bid, Beijing Remains Silent

Internet rumors of Xi Jinping removed in coup, no official word from Beijing

Just over a week ago, Chinese leader Xi Jinping embarked on a three-day trip to Central Asia to mark his sphere of influence. He has since been out of the public eye, skipping a high-level military meeting and the annual United Nations assembly.