Indian media reported rumors that Chinese President Xi Jinping fell ill during the BRICS summit held in New Delhi, forcing him to return to China abruptly.
On 16 September 2026, the Times of India website cited Wang Chunxia, Chair of the Chinese Democratic Party, who posted on X that President Xi Jinping experienced dizziness while attending the BRICS meeting in New Delhi, India, and was transported on a special medical plane to Beijing.
The report further stated that after receiving preliminary treatment from the medical team accompanying him, the Chinese leader shortened his visit to India and returned to China earlier than planned. Upon arrival at the Chinese airport, there was no welcoming ceremony; instead, a military helicopter transported Xi to the Special Hospital 301 in Beijing.
According to the report, doctors at Hospital 301 revealed that Xi Jinping suffered an ischemic stroke, a condition caused by narrowed or blocked brain blood vessels. It also noted that the Chinese leader was concerned that health information might leak to India, leading him to refuse treatment at an Indian hospital.
The rumors about the Chinese leader’s illness arose during the BRICS summit on 12-13 September 2026 in New Delhi. A video circulated showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pausing during his opening speech on 12 September to ask whether the Chinese leader was "okay." Another report suggested Modi’s question occurred because Xi’s translation earpiece malfunctioned, prompting officials to remove and inspect it with technical staff assistance.
However, the case of President Xi Jinping remains based solely on rumors from sources opposed to the Chinese government, claiming he was ill and hospitalized. No official confirmation from China has been issued. It was also revealed that Xi completed his scheduled activities and returned to Beijing on 13 September as planned, with no formal confirmation regarding any health issues.
Earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, 15 September, that she is scheduled to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng this weekend. The meeting is a routine preparatory discussion ahead of the planned U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in Washington, D.C., on 24 September. The trip has been planned for months, but Chinese authorities have yet to officially confirm the date.