Xi Jinping reappears publicly, meets Jaishankar at SCO summit

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

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New Delhi, July 15: Speculation about a possible power struggle in China has been put to rest after Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared in public for the first time in nearly 20 days. He met Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, who is currently on a visit to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Xi Jinping last seen on June 24

Concerns over Xi Jinping’s sudden disappearance had triggered speculation about internal political unrest, as he had been absent from public events and did not attend the BRICS summit. His last public appearance was on June 24, when he was seen in Beijing with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Jaishankar shares update on social media

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared details of his meeting with Xi Jinping on social media platform X. He wrote, “Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.”

Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers.

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Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister @narendramodi.

Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of… pic.twitter.com/tNfmEzpJGl

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 15, 2025

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Questions raised over Xi’s absence

Xi Jinping’s prolonged absence had led to speculation in several international media outlets about an internal power struggle within the Chinese leadership. His decision to skip the BRICS summit and remain out of the public eye added fuel to these discussions. However, his meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has now brought such speculation to an end.

India’s active participation in SCO summit

Jaishankar is currently in China to attend the SCO summit. Last month, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also participated in the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting, where India took a firm stand against terrorism and clearly stated its position in the joint declaration.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a multilateral body comprising nine member states: China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. It aims to promote cooperation on political, economic, and security-related issues.