Reports indicate that Xi Jinping’s Chinese delegation was restricted in room access, with only his wife, Peng Liyuan, allowed entry. Furthermore, in a notable shift, the delegation declined to participate in a scheduled working lunch with Donald Trump on September 24, just a month prior to Xi’s visit.
During this visit to Washington, Beijing officials communicated their preference to allocate more time for Xi to rest. Consequently, a five-hour break was incorporated into the summit agenda. In addition, sources revealed that no evening events were arranged for the North Korean leader upon his arrival, and Xi spent a mere ten minutes at the National Archives on his final day, a stark contrast to the American officials’ expectations.
Insiders noted that Xi’s team tailored his schedule to accommodate his physical stamina, considering how long he could stand, the distances he would need to walk, and necessary rest periods.
Context
- Concerns regarding the North Korean leader’s health have arisen previously, including his absence from a BRICS summit dinner in India earlier this month due to illness.
- In 2024, social media buzzed with speculation about a possible stroke, while in September 2025, Xi and Putin discussed the prospect of living to 150 years and the concept of immortality.
