By: Dr. Jianli Yang
On September 3, Beijing staged China’s largest ever military parade, marking 80 years since victory in World War II. The international spotlight focused on the striking image of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un flanking Xi Jinping at the center of Tiananmen Square’s rostrum, a tableau meant to broadcast the tightening bonds among China, Russia, and North Korea in opposition to American “hegemony.” That message was unmistakable. Yet another, less-discussed signal emerged from the same stage: the condition of Xi Jinping’s health. Xi’s health is not a private matter. It has profound implications for China’s political stability, economic future, and for the world’s geopolitical balance.
Xi’s performance during the ceremonies—welcoming foreign dignitaries, delivering his speech, reviewing troops, and waving to the crowd—betrayed a visible frailty. He struggled up the steps of Tiananmen, breathing heavily beside Putin, and his speech lacked force and stamina. His body language during the military review appeared listless and fatigued, forming a stark contrast with the display of a powerful, disciplined army marching in unison along Chang’an Avenue. That dissonance—between the strength of the Chinese state’s military machine and the weakness of its supreme leader—was impossible to ignore.
The health of China’s top leader is treated as a state secret. Even in frail old age, Communist Party leaders are cosmetically bolstered to appear vigorous. During Mao Zedong’s final years, his failing health was hidden behind official phrases like “ruddy complexion” and “full of spirit.” The rule of thumb is simple: if a leader appears robust, the truth may be otherwise; if he appears unwell, the decline is real. Xi’s frailty on September 3 was therefore revealing, even alarming.