Former Chinese president Hu Jintao’s congress exit a break from the Communist Party script
- The reason for Hu’s departure from the closing ceremony is unclear and prompted widespread discussion online
- The rest of the two-hour event went much as expected with the unveiling of the new Central Committee
While the exact reason for Hu’s premature exit remains unclear, footage of his confused departure was widely discussed online.
A reporter for state news agency Xinhua wrote on Twitter late on Saturday that Hu’s early departure was related to his health.
“Hu Jintao insisted on attending the closing session of the party’s 20th national congress, despite the fact that he has been taking time to recuperate recently,” the reporter wrote.
“When he was not feeling well during the session, his staff, for his health, accompanied him to a room next to the meeting venue for a rest. Now, he is much better.”
The episode was not reported in Chinese state media but in its evening newscast on Saturday night state broadcaster CCTV included a shot of the former president voting at the closing ceremony before his exit.
