The news was published widely in China, but made no mention of Xi’s health, which has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent days. Theories about his health have mentioned anything from back ache to a heart attack.
Xi has been widely tipped to succeed President Hu Jintao as leader of the ruling Communist Party at a crucial meeting that is expected to be held sometime next month, before taking over as head of state in March.
His disappearance from public view has attracted global attention, as well as some speculation on China’s popular but heavily censored microblogs.
US Ambassador to China Gary Locke declined to weigh in on Xi during an appearance in Washington earlier this week, but noted that the heir apparent called off meetings not only with Clinton but with other foreign dignitaries. China’s government has so far given no explanation for his absence. At a daily media briefing on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei refused for the fourth day running to answer repeated questions about Xi’s whereabouts.
Hong did, however, say that preparations for the 18th Communist Party Congress – where Xi is expected to be named party leader – were “well under way”, adding that “Chinese authorities will release relevant information in due course”.
Analysts say Xi is likely suffering from a relatively minor health complaint, as anything more serious would have prevented Hu from leaving the country to take part in last week’s APEC summit.
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