Imagine Joe Biden going missing for 12 days, without any official word as to his whereabouts or condition. That exact scenario is happening in China right now with its vice president, and the man next in line to be its leader, Xi Jinping. He's just....gone.
According to AP:
China's vice president, Xi is due to take over as Communist Party head later this year and as president next year as the country transitions to a new generation of leaders. His prolonged and unexplained disappearance has sparked rumors and raised questions about the stability of the succession process.For a fourth consecutive day, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei refused to offer any information on Xi.Early rumors said Xi, 59, threw his back out swimming or pulled a muscle playing football. As the days passed, the speculation escalated to more serious conditions, including a heart attack, stroke, or emergency surgery.
According to Voice of America
Xi's absence has attracted global attention, but had been completely ignored by China's state media. The foreign ministry has also refused to answer reporters' questions on his condition.
More on this bizarre story here and here. Any comments about the importance of transparency in government and media? I'll leave that to you.
(Image: The Guardian)