Xi Jinping's health raises concerns ahead of US visit after skipping BRICS dinner

September 19, 2026 at 11:12 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a leaders' dinner at the BRICS summit in India earlier this month due to poor health, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. His absence has raised questions about the 73-year-old leader's health ahead of his official visit to Washington starting September 24. The visit will be Xi's first to the US in more than a decade.

Key Facts

Xi Jinping skipped the leaders' dinner at the BRICS summit in New Delhi earlier this month, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attending in his place.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Xi felt unwell and withdrew from the dinner 'at the last minute', citing sources.
India's Press Trust agency claimed Xi returned to his hotel room to rest, while WSJ sources said he felt unwell.
Xi's official visit to Washington begins on September 24, marking his first trip to the US in more than 10 years.
At the summit, Xi and US President Donald Trump are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, Iran, Taiwan, and trade.

Dinner Absence

Xi Jinping did not attend the leaders' dinner at the BRICS summit in New Delhi earlier this month. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the dinner in Xi's place. The Wall Street Journal reported that Xi felt unwell and withdrew from the event 'at the last minute', citing sources. India's Press Trust agency claimed Xi returned to his hotel room to rest, while WSJ sources said he felt unwell.

Health Questions

Xi's absence from the dinner raised questions about the health of China's 73-year-old leader and whether Beijing is willing to disclose his condition ahead of the US trip. The Wall Street Journal noted there is no evidence that Xi is seriously ill. The newspaper said several episodes in recent years have raised questions about Xi's health, but none of them constitute a diagnosis.

Washington Visit

Xi Jinping's official visit to Washington begins on September 24. It will be the Chinese leader's first trip to the US in more than 10 years. At the summit, Xi and US President Donald Trump are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, Iran, Taiwan, and trade.