Hu, 79, Xi Jinping's immediate predecessor, was seated to the left of Xi. He was led off the stage of the main auditorium of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing by two stewards, a Reuters witness at the congress said.
Video footage published by AFP showed a steward repeatedly trying to lift Hu from his seat, drawing concerned looks from officials seated nearby. Hu then put his hand on a sheet of paper placed on Xi's folder but Xi quickly put his hand on the sheet.
Hu's name has since been scrubbed from the Chinese Internet.
There could be any number of reasons why Hu was removed from the closing ceremony. However, it looks a lot like Xi eliminating an opposition leader in a manner worthy of Michael Corleone.
China's one party rule under Xi Jinping is really one-man rule. Which is always a dangerous political system for everyone, especially the average Chinese.
Well, the official explanation from China Xinhua News was:
"[Hu] was not feeling well during the session, his staff, for his health, accompanied him to a room next to the meeting venue for a rest. Now, he is much better."
It will certainly be interesting to see if Hu is ever heard from again.
Well, the official explanation from China Xinhua News was:
"[Hu] was not feeling well during the session, his staff, for his health, accompanied him to a room next to the meeting venue for a rest. Now, he is much better."
It will certainly be interesting to see if Hu is ever heard from again.