International

Xi Jinping’s Health Under Fresh Scrutiny After Unusual Rest Arrangements During US Visit

06 October 2026 00:10 AM

NEWS DESK

Fresh questions have emerged over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health after Chinese officials reportedly requested unusual arrangements for him to rest during his recent visit to the United States, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Citing people involved in planning the trip, the WSJ reported that Chinese officials asked the White House to provide Xi with a private room in the West Wing where he could rest between engagements. They also requested a lighter schedule and additional time for rest.

According to the report, only Xi’s wife, Peng Liyuan, was permitted to enter the private room. Even Cai Qi, a senior Communist Party leader and member of Xi’s delegation, was reportedly not allowed access.

A former US National Security Council official described the arrangements as unusual compared with those made for previous visits by foreign leaders.

A working lunch between Xi and US President Donald Trump had been scheduled for September 24, which was the only full working day of Xi’s visit to Washington. However, Chinese officials informed their US counterparts that Xi would not attend the lunch, saying he needed additional time to rest.

The decision created a roughly five-hour gap in the schedule for the two leaders’ engagements.

Some footage of Xi during the trip has also fueled speculation about his health.

According to the WSJ’s review of video footage, Xi held Peng Liyuan’s hand and used the railing while descending the aircraft stairs after arriving at Joint Base Andrews.

Two days later, while visiting the US National Archives, Xi was again seen holding Peng’s hand as he climbed the stairs. The report said he appeared to rely somewhat on his wife for support.

Other elements of Xi’s itinerary also appeared to place an emphasis on rest. After a roughly 14-hour flight from Beijing to the United States, he had no official engagements scheduled for the evening of his arrival.

His visit to the National Archives the following day lasted around 10 minutes, although the original plan reportedly called for a longer visit.

Questions about Xi’s health are not new.

Similar speculation emerged during the BRICS summit in India, where some observers noted that Xi appeared uncomfortable during the opening session.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly asked Xi through his interpreter whether everything was all right.

Although Xi attended the summit’s first-day events and held a bilateral meeting with Modi, he did not attend a dinner hosted by the Indian prime minister for BRICS leaders.

These developments have prompted renewed speculation about Xi’s health. However, there is currently no confirmed information that he is suffering from any specific illness.

Xi holds the top positions in China’s Communist Party and military, in addition to serving as president. As a result, any serious health problem affecting him could have significant implications for China’s political leadership and policymaking.