Indian authorities have cautioned against social media claims that multiple world leaders fell ill during the recent BRICS summit in New Delhi, labeling the posts as malicious and unfounded.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office confirmed on September 18 that he had withdrawn from public engagements due to ill health, though no further details about the nature or severity of his condition were provided. Ramaphosa returned from the summit on September 16 and was scheduled to resume duties, but his office stated that ministers would represent him in engagements.
China has not addressed rumors circulating online that President Xi Jinping suffered a stroke during the summit. A U.S.-based activist and political exile from China, Wanjun Xie, alleged on social media that Xi experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke," and was flown back to Beijing for treatment at the 301 Hospital. These claims remain unverified by Chinese authorities or credible news outlets. Xi skipped the summit dinner on September 12, though no official explanation was provided at the time.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on September 18 via its fact-checking unit on X (formerly Twitter), warning the public against "malicious posts" suggesting any leaders fell ill during the event. The MEA’s post read: "Fake Alert!!! We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms!"
The 18th BRICS summit was held in New Delhi on September 12–13, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as representatives from newly admitted member states. The summit focused on expanding political and economic cooperation among nations of the "Global South" as a counterbalance to Western influence. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other leaders attended the event, which concluded with declarations on trade, climate, and geopolitical alignment.
Key Developments:
- South Africa’s confirmation: Ramaphosa’s office stated he was advised by doctors to rest due to ill health, though no specifics were disclosed. His absence from public engagements has been noted since his return.
- China’s silence: No official statement from Beijing has addressed the health rumors, and Xi’s participation in post-summit events has not been detailed.
- India’s rebuttal: The MEA’s public warning underscores the government’s stance that the claims are unsubstantiated and potentially harmful.
- Social media origins: The rumors originated from posts by Wanjun Xie, chairman of the banned China Democratic Party, who cited anonymous sources in Beijing. Xie’s claims included Xi being treated in a locked-down section of the 301 Hospital, though no corroborating evidence has been presented.
Context and Background:
The BRICS alliance, originally formed in 2009, has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The grouping positions itself as an alternative to Western-led institutions, advocating for a multipolar global order. Xi Jinping has historically used the summit to articulate China’s vision for reshaping international governance, emphasizing non-interference, economic sovereignty, and opposition to U.S. dominance in global affairs.
The timing of the health rumors has raised questions about their potential impact on geopolitical perceptions of China’s leadership stability, particularly amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and its allies. However, analysts note that no official confirmation of Xi’s health issues has been issued, and the claims remain speculative.
Official Statements and Responses:
- Indian MEA: Denied any leaders fell ill during the summit and warned against "malicious" social media posts. The statement did not specify which claims were being disputed.
- South African Presidency: Confirmed Ramaphosa’s temporary withdrawal from public duties due to ill health but provided no medical details.
- Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.: Did not respond to requests for comment from Newsweek regarding the health rumors.
- Wanjun Xie: Reiterated claims on X that Xi suffered a TIA and was treated in Beijing, but provided no verifiable evidence.
What We Know and Don’t Know:
Confirmed:
- Ramaphosa’s office acknowledged his health-related absence.
- Xi Jinping attended the summit and skipped the closing dinner, though no official reason was given.
- The Indian government has dismissed the illness claims as false.
Unconfirmed:
- The nature of Ramaphosa’s illness or whether it is related to the summit.
- Any health issues involving Xi Jinping, including the alleged stroke.
- The authenticity of Wanjun Xie’s claims about Xi’s condition or treatment.
The story remains developing, with no additional official updates as of the latest reports.