After nearly three weeks of near-total disappearance from China’s public stage, President Xi Jinping has finally reappeared — but questions remain. His unexplained absence during critical diplomatic moments, including the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil, has sparked intense speculation both inside and outside China. From rumors of internal power shifts to health concerns and strategic political maneuvering, the mystery of “Where is Xi Jinping?” has now become one of the biggest geopolitical questions of the year.

Xi Jinping Reappears — But the Silence Lingers

On July 7, Xi Jinping was finally seen attending a closed-door meeting in Beijing with top officials. State broadcaster CCTV aired brief footage, showing Xi seated and appearing composed — but without any direct address to the public. It marked his first confirmed appearance since June 24, when he met with the Prime Minister of Singapore.

No official reason has been given for his unusual absence from public events, including his shocking no-show at the BRICS Summit — a global event he has never skipped since taking power over a decade ago.

Why Xi’s Absence Matters Globally

Xi Jinping is not just the President of China; he is arguably the most powerful individual in the Chinese political system in decades. His sudden absence from such a major global summit — where other BRICS leaders, including those from Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa gathered — set off alarm bells among diplomats and analysts worldwide.

Chinese Foreign Ministry cited “scheduling conflicts” and said Premier Li Qiang would attend in his place. But insiders suggest the explanation doesn’t align with China’s usual rigid diplomatic planning.

Theories Swirl: Where is Xi Jinping?

Multiple unconfirmed theories have emerged:

• Health Concerns: Some suspect Xi may have undergone a private medical procedure, especially as he was seen coughing and appearing fatigued during his last appearance.
• Internal Power Struggle: Others point to the recent purges within the Chinese military and security apparatus, suggesting possible internal dissent that may have forced Xi to retreat temporarily to consolidate power.
• Deliberate Political Strategy: A third theory is gaining traction among some Chinese scholars: Xi may be intentionally stepping back from public optics to reshape how leadership functions under his regime — focusing on policy over presence.

The Military Connection: Purges and Political Recalibration

Just days before his disappearance, the CCP announced a new wave of anti-corruption investigations targeting senior PLA (People’s Liberation Army) officials. This has led to speculation that Xi may have faced pushback from military elites, forcing a behind-the-scenes recalibration of loyalty and command.

Some insiders even suggest the delayed roll-out of China’s naval modernization program is connected to this internal disruption.

Public Reaction: Controlled, Yet Curious

Within China, public discussion of Xi’s absence has been tightly censored. Social media searches for terms like “#WhereIsXiJinping” or “Xi Jinping BRICS” have been restricted. Yet, screenshots, foreign media links, and speculative threads have leaked into WeChat and Weibo, keeping the conversation alive in private circles.

What Comes Next?

With Xi Jinping now back in front of cameras — albeit briefly — many are watching closely for his next major appearance. Will he deliver a strong public address to counter the rumors? Or will he continue operating through shadow diplomacy and internal briefings?

According to sources close to Beijing’s think tanks, a “major address or party directive” is expected within the next two weeks, possibly at the upcoming Politburo Standing Committee meeting.

Conclusion: A Leader Still in Control — But Watching His Back

While Xi Jinping’s reappearance has calmed some nerves, the absence remains unexplained. In the current climate of geopolitical tension, economic slowdown, and internal recalibration, even a short silence from China’s most powerful man sends a loud message across the world.

Is Xi Jinping facing internal resistance? Or is this the beginning of a new phase in his leadership — one that shifts power more subtly, behind closed doors?

Only time — and carefully staged appearances — will tell.