Zhao Leji, a senior Chinese Communist Party leader, missed a significant parliamentary session due to a respiratory infection. This absence has been deemed noteworthy, as it marks the first occurrence in nearly two decades for a Politburo Standing Committee member to miss such an event. The announcement of his health condition reflects a rare transparency from the party.

Zhao Leji, the third-ranked leader of China’s ruling Communist Party, was absent from a significant parliamentary session on Tuesday due to a respiratory infection. His absence marks the first time in nearly two decades that a member of the Politburo Standing Committee has missed this prominent political event. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, stated that Zhao had requested leave due to his illness.

Li Hongzhong presided over the plenary session, addressing more than 2,000 delegates in attendance at the Great Hall of the People. This public announcement about Zhao’s health represents a rare break from the Communist Party’s tradition of maintaining secrecy regarding the well-being of its senior officials.

Zhao also did not attend the closing session of China’s national political advisory body nor the third meeting of the NPC presidium, with no explanations provided for those absences. Li, who is also a member of the Politburo, was appointed to chair the presidium meeting.

Zhao, who is also the head of the NPC Standing Committee, oversees significant legislative processes, and participated in the second plenary session of the NPC, where he delivered an annual report on legislative work. He had attended the opening session of parliament and met with NPC delegates earlier in the week.

In conclusion, Zhao Leji’s absence from a key parliamentary session due to a respiratory infection highlights a notable event in China’s political landscape. His omission from such a critical gathering is unprecedented in recent years and signifies a shift in the Communist Party’s approach to disclosing the health of its senior leaders. Observers will watch closely for any further developments regarding Zhao’s condition and its potential implications for China’s governance.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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