Politics

Xi’s Health Rumours Swirl After BRICS Summit, Remain Unverified

Published on September 17, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health has become the subject of online speculation after Wanjun Xie, chairman of the exiled China Democracy Party, alleged in a post on X that Xi suffered an ischaemic stroke and fainted during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. Xie claimed Xi was treated by his own medical team, declined hospital care in India over confidentiality concerns, and was later flown by military helicopter from Beijing airport to the PLA’s 301 Hospital for emergency treatment. He further suggested the delay could jeopardise Xi’s planned visit to the United States later this month.

What the record shows

Official accounts tell a different story. Xi attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on both September 12 and 13, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and delivered remarks during a summit session before leaving the city after the two-day event concluded. China’s Foreign Ministry said he departed New Delhi at noon on September 13 after “successfully concluding” his participation, with senior Indian officials seeing him off at the airport, and confirmed his arrival in Beijing that evening. As of the latest reports, no official Chinese or Indian source has confirmed that Xi fainted, suffered a stroke, or was hospitalised. What happened to Xi Jinping at BRICS? Stroke claim clashes with public record | World News | Zee News +2

Post flagged, claims disputed

Xie’s post has since received a community note on X flagging it as inconsistent with facts. Separately, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has publicly dismissed related reports claiming multiple leaders fell ill after the summit, calling them misleading and malicious. News24

Until Chinese authorities issue an official statement or verifiable medical evidence surfaces, the stroke and hospitalisation claims remain unconfirmed allegations rather than established fact. Xi’s next scheduled international appearance, including any US visit, will likely be watched closely for clues about his health.