Silence over Xi Jinping does not befit a modern nation
Yun Tang says China can't behave as it did over a disappearance in 1971
Forty-one years ago today, a Trident jet hurriedly left northern China's Shanhaiguan airport, and then crashed in Mongolia before reaching its supposed destination of the Soviet Union, killing all on board. One of the passengers was Marshal Lin Biao, then vice-chairman of the Communist Party and Mao Zedong's designated successor.
Today, rumours are swirling about the disappearance of Xi Jinping, the vice-president and same sole successor to supreme power. It would be flippant to draw comparisons with the Lin Biao case. But, even so, it's hard not to be reminded of Lin's sudden disappearance in 1971.
Rumours about Lin's fate surfaced following Beijing's cancellation of the National Day celebration, which Lin was due to attend, but Chinese officials maintained a stony silence. Around the end of the year, grass-root party members were told of Lin's death. He was branded a traitor. Even today, his name has not been officially restored.
Xi Jinping last appeared in public on September 1. Late on September 4, the foreign ministry unexpectedly cancelled his meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, citing an "adjustment of itinerary". Since then, he has not been seen and no official explanation has been given. This has focused worldwide attention on his whereabouts, triggering wild speculation. In addition to Xi, another standing committee member of the politburo, He Guoqiang, has also not been seen in public this month. He is in charge of personnel and discipline.
Back in 1971, Mao couldn't release the news of Lin's death because he knew the country couldn't bear the psychological shock that a man he had designated as vice-commander-in-chief had tried to flee to the Soviet Union, then the arch-enemy.
Today, Beijing is seemingly resolved to keep matters hidden. It seems Chinese leaders would rather watch scathing damage being done to China's international image than face the consequence of divulging what has really happened to Xi and He. Very possibly, they need time to investigate or ponder their next move.
