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A new claim regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ( Xi Jinping ) health has emerged, raising questions about the country’s leadership and succession plans. Lobsang Sangay, the former leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, has claimed that Xi Jinping has suffered at least two—and possibly three—heart attacks. Sangay stated that he received this information from a senior former Chinese official during a conversation that lasted over an hour.
Sangay also discussed Xi’s grip on the Chinese Communist Party, the removal of senior military officials, and China’s growing succession crisis. However, there is no independent evidence in available reports to confirm that Xi has suffered a heart attack. It is important to make this distinction, as Sangay’s statements are allegations based on an unidentified source rather than a definitive medical report.
Tweet reveals the secret
Wanjun Shi, Chairman of the China Democracy Party (CDP), also posted a tweet stating that Xi Jinping arrived in Bishkek on a special plane on August 30. Upon disembarking, Xi appeared visibly bloated and pale; his gait was unsteady, and he clearly lacked physical agility. He struggled significantly to descend the aircraft’s stairs and required the support of his wife, Peng Liyuan. It appears that Xi Jinping’s health is indeed deteriorating! This indirectly lends credence to recent rumors that he may have suffered another stroke and was rushed to the hospital.
What did Lobsang Sangay claim about Xi’s health? Discussing Xi’s recent public appearances and his demeanor, Sangay claimed that a former senior Chinese official had told him Xi had suffered two heart attacks. Sangay stated that the Chinese President was under immense pressure and suggested this could impact his health and decision-making abilities. He also noted changes in Xi’s physical appearance and gait.
Sangay further suggested that Xi was experiencing “mental fog” and linked this to the removal of senior military officials. However, these claims should not be treated as confirmed facts; there are no medical records or independent confirmations regarding the alleged heart attacks.
What is the dilemma regarding Xi Jinping’s successor?
A key part of Sangay’s interview focused on who might eventually succeed Xi Jinping. Sangay argues that Xi faces what he calls the “Emperor’s dilemma.” His argument is based on a historical problem: a powerful ruler can formally designate a successor, but doing so risks creating a rival who could eventually challenge the ruler’s authority. Conversely, failing to designate a successor creates uncertainty and can lead to a power struggle when the leader steps down. Therefore, Sangay argues, Xi may be hesitant to publicly name a successor.
Who is Lobsang Sangay?
Lobsang Sangay served as the elected Sikyong (political leader) of the Central Tibetan Administration from 2011 to 2021. The Central Tibetan Administration is based in Dharamshala, India, and represents Tibetans living in exile. Sangay is currently a Senior Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School’s ‘East Asian Legal Studies’ program. It is important to consider his political background when evaluating his comments, as he has long been a critic of China’s policies regarding Tibet.
