Xi’s health rumours surface ahead of Trump summit

Unverified claims about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health have circulated online ahead of his planned meeting with US President Donald Trump next week.

According to The Telegraph, the rumours emerged after Xi skipped a dinner at the BRICS summit in New Delhi and subsequently returned to China. The claims, reportedly promoted by Chinese dissident Wanjun Xie, alleged that Xi became ill during the summit and was taken back to China for treatment.

However, there is no credible independent confirmation that Xi suffered a stroke or required emergency medical treatment. A widely shared image used to support the claims was also found to be misleading. Xi is expected to meet Trump in Washington on September 24, with trade, Taiwan and security issues reportedly among the anticipated topics.