(Beijing) Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was escorted out on Sunday during the closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress, AFP journalists noted.
Posted at 12:40 a.m.
Appearing weakened, the 79-year-old, who served as China’s president from 2003 to 2013, was pressured by staff to get up from his seat next to Xi Jinping in the front row of the People’s Palace.
At first reluctant, he seems to argue before being taken by the arm by an employee who leads him to the exit. Hu Jintao holds a final brief exchange with Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, whom he pats on the shoulder.
This unusual outing by the ex-president was not immediately explained or reported by state media.
Hu Jintao had surprised at the opening of the congress last Sunday by appearing aged, the hair now completely white.
Xi Jinping, 69, should obtain a third term as secretary general of the party this weekend, which guarantees him an unprecedented third presidential term next March.
The new Central Committee, a kind of party parliament with around 200 members, was elected shortly after 11 a.m. (3 a.m. GMT) on Saturday, according to the official New China agency, which has not yet revealed its composition.