Recent speculation about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been followed by concerns regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's well-being.
According to Taiwanese media, including the United Daily News, Chai Wen-hsuan, a researcher at the Central Research Institute's Political Science Institute, analyzed public videos of Xi during a seminar on China's political situation held on November 2. He reported that Xi shows significant signs of aging compared to others in his age group.
The researchers focused on a video from September 12, when Xi was seen descending the stairs of his private plane in New Delhi, India. Chai explained that the footage captured full-body movements, including the ankles, making it suitable for analyzing his walking condition. He noted that descending stairs places stress on the knees and ankles, allowing for observation of physical stability.
The team compared this footage to a video taken during Xi's visit to Vietnam in December 2023, where he was assisted by his wife, Peng Liyuan. They concluded that Xi's walking stability has declined over the past three years based on computer video analysis.
They specifically noted a circumduction gait, where the feet are turned outward while walking down stairs. However, they added that there appeared to be no significant issues with his cardiopulmonary function, as he ascended the stairs to board the plane without pausing.
Concerns about Xi's health were also raised during his visit to the United States in September. The Wall Street Journal reported on October 2 that the Chinese delegation requested a dedicated rest area for Xi in the West Wing of the White House. They also asked to cancel a working lunch with President Donald Trump to secure rest time, resulting in a five-hour gap in Xi's schedule on September 24.
During this visit, footage captured Xi holding Peng's hand while descending from his plane or climbing the stairs of the National Archives, fueling further speculation about his health.
Born in June 1953, Xi is currently 73 years old. With no designated successor, concerns about his health could have significant implications for China's political landscape.
Recently, Kim Jong Un was also the subject of rumors regarding a possible death from a brain hemorrhage; however, South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee on October 23 that these claims were unfounded.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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