Former Leader Makes Sensational Remarks on Xi Jinping’s Health

Fresh speculation has emerged over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health and China’s future leadership. In a recent ANI Podcast interview, former Central Tibetan Administration leader Lobsang Sangay claimed that Xi had suffered two or three heart attacks. Sangay said the information came from a former senior Chinese official. However, there is no official confirmation or medical report supporting the claim. He also alleged that Xi is under severe stress and suggested that changes in his facial expressions and walking style indicate health concerns.

Sangay further claimed that Xi’s alleged mental strain could be linked to the removal or sudden disappearance of senior military generals and defence officials in China. He said the question of Xi’s successor has become increasingly important, arguing that appointing a powerful successor could create the risk of a challenge to Xi’s authority, while not naming one could lead to a power struggle after his departure. Sangay served as the elected political head, or Sikyong, of the Central Tibetan Administration from 2011 to 2021 and is currently a Senior Visiting Fellow at Harvard Law School.