The Unusual Absence of a Key Leader: Zhao Leji Misses the Closing of the National People’s Congress
In an unexpected turn of events, Zhao Leji, the third-highest-ranking official in the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, was absent from the closing ceremony of the country’s top legislative body on Tuesday, March 11. This marked a significant departure from the political norms that have been in place for decades. Zhao’s last public appearance was on Saturday, March 8, during the first meeting of the NPC presidium. His absence from the closing meeting was notable, as it is rare for all members of the Politburo Standing Committee, the top decision-making body in China, not to attend such a high-profile event.
The Significance of the Two Sessions in Chinese Politics
The annual meetings of the NPC and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), collectively known as the “Two Sessions,” are among the most important political events in China. These gatherings serve as a platform for the country’s top leaders to endorse the legislative and political advisory sessions, demonstrating their support for the national governance process. Since the 1980s, it has been a political norm for all members of the Politburo Standing Committee to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies of these sessions. Zhao Leji’s absence, therefore, has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the reasons behind it.
Implications of a Politburo Standing Committee Member’s Absence
Zhao Leji’s absence was not only unusual but also unprecedented in recent decades. On March 11, Deputy NPC chief Li Hongzhong presided over the closing ceremony, stating that Zhao had requested leave due to a “respiratory tract infection.” However, Zhao’s absence was also noted the day before, during the closing of the CPPCC annual session, which was attended by the other six members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including President Xi Jinping. This has led to questions about whether Zhao’s absence was merely due to health reasons or if there are deeper political implications at play.
Health Issues or Political Maneuvering?
While Li Hongzhong announced that Zhao’s absence was due to a respiratory infection, the fact that this is the first time in decades that a Politburo Standing Committee member has missed the closing of the NPC has naturally led to speculation. Some have wondered if Zhao’s absence might be indicative of broader political dynamics within the Chinese Communist Party. However, it is important to note that the information provided does not suggest any concrete evidence of political maneuvering. It is possible that Zhao’s absence was indeed due to health reasons, as stated. Nevertheless, the unusual nature of the event has inevitably sparked curiosity and debate.
The Role of the Two Sessions in Chinese Governance
The Two Sessions are not only a display of political unity and solidarity but also a forum for China’s top leaders to engage with intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and other elites outside the party. These sessions provide an opportunity for non-party members to share their perspectives on the country’s most pressing issues, offering valuable insights that can shape policy decisions. The absence of a key leader like Zhao Leji, therefore, not only breaks with tradition but also potentially limits the exchange of ideas that these sessions are designed to facilitate.
Conclusion: A Signal of Change or a One-Off Event?
Zhao Leji’s absence from the closing of the NPC has been a topic of considerable discussion, with many attempting to interpret its significance. While it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions without further information, it is clear that this event marks a departure from the political norms that have governed the Two Sessions for decades. Whether this absence is a one-off event due to health reasons or indicative of broader political shifts remains to be seen. Regardless, it has brought attention to the importance of these sessions and the role of leadership in Chinese governance.
