Unexpected Absence: Zhao Leji Misses Key Parliamentary Session

Zhao Leji, a top leader in China's Communist Party, missed a significant parliamentary session due to a respiratory infection. This unusual absence was publicly announced, deviating from past practices of secrecy. Li Hongzhong, his deputy, presided over the meeting attended by over 2,000 delegates.

Zhao Leji, the third-ranked leader in China's ruling Communist Party, was notably absent from a critical parliamentary session on Tuesday, reportedly due to a respiratory infection.

His absence was publicly declared, marking a significant shift from the party's tradition of maintaining secrecy regarding the health of senior officials. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, took Zhao's place, addressing the more than 2,000 delegates present at the Great Hall of the People.

This marks the first occurrence in nearly two decades that a member of the Politburo Standing Committee was missing from such a prominent political event. Zhao's previous engagements included delivering an annual report at the NPC's second plenary session and meeting delegates from Sichuan Province. However, he missed subsequent sessions, with state media offering no further explanation beyond the initial respiratory infection claim.

(With inputs from agencies.)