Veteran reporter Bill Gertz said on social media that unconfirmed "rumors are flying" in China claiming Xi Jinping fell ill during an India trip and that rival forces may be mobilizing. The reports range from a minor illness to a possible stroke and include sensational allegations about freed political prisoners. Commentators and analysts have reacted publicly, but none of the claims have been independently verified. The post originally appeared on Mediaite and should be treated as unconfirmed.
Veteran Reporter Says 'Rumors Are Flying' in China About Xi's Health; Officials and Analysts Respond
President Donald Trump, left, stands beside Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Temple of Heaven on Thursday May 14, 2026, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Veteran national security reporter Bill Gertz wrote on social media Wednesday that unconfirmed "rumors are flying" across China suggesting that leader Xi Jinping became ill during a visit to India and that rival forces may be mobilizing to challenge his authority.
"Rumors are flying in China over Xi Jinping being taken ill during his visit to India. They include claims that he suffered a minor illness to experiencing a stroke worsened by failure to treat early," Gertz wrote. He added: "Some wild claims say rival group armies are mobilizing for civil war. No confirmation but Treasury Sec Bessent is meeting with Chinese counterparts today and we'll see if the summit for Sept. 24 is still on."
Gertz, a long-time national security correspondent for The Washington Times and a former Hoover Institution fellow, has covered China for decades. His social-media post quickly drew attention across outlets and among commentators.
Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt responded on social media, "Bill is a serious reporter. Has been on China Watch for decades. So watch this space." Journalist Dave Troy noted reports that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also became ill after attending the BRICS summit in India. Political analyst Gordon Chang added that unverified stories claim the Chinese military freed two jailed former officials, Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang, a development that—if true—would complicate Xi's ability to travel abroad.
These claims remain unconfirmed. Media outlets have not independently verified reports of Xi's illness, the alleged mobilization of rival forces, or the release of Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang. The original item appeared on Mediaite.
Note: The name "Treasury Sec Bessent" appears in the social-media post; it is reproduced here as reported. Readers should treat all details as provisional while awaiting official confirmation.
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