Chinese President Health Claims Circulate Online as Ramaphosa Falls Ill After BRICS Summit
- Xi Jinping health rumours spread online after the BRICS Summit, with claims that the Chinese president had fallen ill
- Indian officials and fact-checkers debunked the claims, confirming Xi completed his BRICS schedule and departed India as planned
- The rumours gained fresh attention after President Cyril Ramaphosa was booked off from public engagements due to ill health
- Forum for South Africa wished President Cyril Ramaphosa a speedy recovery following the announcement that he would step away from public duties due to illness
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ASIA - Rumours about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s health have been swirling online following the BRICS Summit in India, with social media claims alleging that he fell ill after attending the high-profile gathering.
The online speculation has now drawn fresh attention in South Africa after President Cyril Ramaphosa was booked off from public engagements due to ill health shortly after returning from the summit.
Xi Jinping health claims spread online
The announcement came as social media users were already sharing claims that other BRICS leaders had fallen ill after the summit.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping became the subject of particularly dramatic claims after an X post alleged that he had fainted during the summit, suffered an ischaemic stroke and was later taken to a hospital in Beijing.
However, there is no official confirmation from Chinese or Indian authorities that Xi suffered a stroke or was hospitalised.The claims were later debunked by Indian officials, who confirmed that Xi completed his scheduled engagements and departed India as planned.
In fact, China's Foreign Ministry said Xi attended the second session of the BRICS Summit on 13 September before departing New Delhi at noon. Indian officials reportedly saw him off at the airport, and Chinese officials later confirmed that he returned to Beijing.
The claims about Xi's alleged medical emergency therefore remain unverified, despite gaining traction online.
Ramaphosa falls ill
Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday, 14 September, after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from 12 to 13 September. Two days later, the Presidency announced that he had been booked off from public engagements due to ill health.
According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa’s medical team advised him to rest and recover. The nature of his illness has not been disclosed, and ministers will represent him at public engagements where possible.
Ramaphosa and Mashatile both away from duties
The situation has also attracted attention in South Africa because Deputy President Paul Mashatile is himself currently recovering from a medical procedure.
With both Ramaphosa and Mashatile temporarily away from public engagements, the unusual coincidence has prompted further discussion online.
Organisation send well-wishes to the president
In a statement sent to Briefly News, the organisation wished the president well and reminded him that he must return to the people and account as soon as he has recovered, particularly in light of the violent killings.
“South Africans are demanding answers about the continued failures of our criminal justice system, border management, immigration enforcement and national security structures,” the organisation said.
It added that if the cause of the killings was found to be linked to state failure, the president and relevant ministers would have to account.
Deputy Presidency announces he is recovering well
Previously, Briefly News reported that Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that he had undergone a minor medical procedure and, on the advice of his doctors, would continue resting until cleared to return to his duties.
On15 September, Mashatile took to his X account to say he became unwell at home in Johannesburg, received medical attention and was admitted for a minor surgical procedure and observation before being discharged.
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Source: Briefly News
