Ill health or power play? Hu Congress exit sparks speculation storm

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 14, 2013, China's former president Hu Jintao (L) gestures as newly-elected President Xi Jinping (centre R) walks past during the election of the new president of China at the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping secured a historic third term as China's leader on October 23, 2022 and promoted some of his closest Communist Party allies, cementing his position as the nation's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. - AFP

Beijing, Oct 23, 2022 (AFP): The abrupt exit of former Chinese leader Hu Jintao from a key political meeting grabbed global headlines, providing a rare moment of drama at the meticulously choreographed event intended to hand President Xi Jinping a historic third term in power.

And while Beijing's state media later said Hu was escorted out by security due to ill health, the 79-year-old appeared reluctant to leave his seat next to Xi -- leading to speculation his departure was a political power play.