Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee and one of China’s most senior leaders, was notably absent from the closing of the country’s top legislative meeting.
Zhao, who ranks third in the Communist Party’s hierarchy, was last seen in public at the first meeting of the NPC presidium on Saturday. His absence marks the first time in decades that all members of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top decision-making body, did not attend the closing meeting of the NPC.
Deputy NPC chief Li Hongzhong presided over the session, stating that Zhao had requested leave due to a “respiratory tract infection.” The 68-year-old leader was also absent from the closing of the annual session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Monday, an event attended by the other six members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including President Xi Jinping.
Since the 1980s, it has been a political norm for all top party leaders to be present at both the opening and closing ceremonies of the NPC and CPPCC, collectively known as the Two Sessions. These gatherings are crucial for party leaders to engage with Chinese elites outside the party and address pressing national issues.
In addition to missing the CPPCC closing, Zhao was absent from two key meetings of the NPC’s presidium on Monday. These meetings are typically chaired by the NPC chairman, but in Zhao’s absence, Li Hongzhong was “entrusted” to preside over them.
Zhao’s prolonged absence has drawn attention, given his critical role in China’s legislative framework and political landscape.
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