Xi's Unexpected Absence at BRICS Business Forum Sparks International Speculation - By Beijing Times

In a surprising development, Chinese President Xi Jinping was notably absent from the BRICS Business Forum held in South Africa yesterday. Though President Xi arrived in Johannesburg for the annual summit, he did not attend the Business Forum as initially planned. His absence has given rise to various speculations in the international community.

While other BRICS leaders from India, Brazil, and South Africa addressed the forum in person, and Russian President Vladimir Putin participated virtually, Xi's remarks were read by the Chinese Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao. No official statement or explanation regarding President Xi's absence has been issued by Beijing at this time.

President Xi's prepared statement emphasized the need for global cooperation and warned against entering a "new cold war". These remarks were originally expected to be delivered by President Xi himself, and their delivery by Minister Wang has raised questions among international observers.

During a news briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin chose not to elaborate on Xi's absence but focused on summarizing the contents of the pre-drafted speech.

Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund's Indo-Pacific program has remarked on the unusual nature of Xi's absence, particularly given China's vested interests in the BRICS association. Similarly, Brian Hart from the Center for Strategic and International Studies raised questions about potential reasons, which could range from health concerns to unforeseen developments requiring Xi's immediate attention.

Wang Wenbin, during the news briefing, diverged from directly answering questions about Xi's absence, only to express confidence in the productive outcome of the BRICS leaders' meeting.

Despite President Xi being present at subsequent events, including a dinner hosted by South African leader Ramaphosa, no clarification has been provided by Chinese authorities.

This incident follows last month's unexpected replacement of China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, who also disappeared from public view without official comment from the Chinese government.

Beijing's opacity on such issues continues to perplex international observers. With no official word from the Chinese government, speculation is likely to persist.

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