China’s top lawmaker, Zhao Leji, met with journalists covering the country’s annual parliamentary sessions on Wednesday, according to state media. His appearance came a day after he

unexpectedly missed a crucial meeting he was scheduled to open.

Zhao, 68, ranks third in the ruling Communist Party’s hierarchy and serves as the head of the National People’s Congress (NPC). On Tuesday, however, he was notably absent from a high-profile plenary session at the Great Hall of the People. His absence marked the first time in nearly two decades that a member of the Politburo Standing Committee—the party’s most powerful body—missed such an event.

The session, which brought together hundreds of NPC delegates from across China, proceeded under the leadership of Zhao’s deputy, Li Hongzhong. Li cited a respiratory infection as the reason for Zhao’s absence, an unusually direct disclosure given the party’s traditional secrecy surrounding the health of senior officials.

Although officials have not suggested any reason beyond illness, Zhao’s absence drew attention, especially in light of past incidents. In 2023, former Foreign Minister Qin Gang also missed a major diplomatic summit, with officials citing “health reasons.” He was later removed from his position following a mysterious one-month disappearance, reportedly linked to an extramarital affair.

Despite speculation, Zhao reappeared publicly on Wednesday, thanking journalists for their coverage of China’s parliamentary meetings, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He praised their work in highlighting the “important activities of General Secretary Xi Jinping.” The meeting was attended by officials from the Communist Party’s publicity department and members of several state media organizations. Photo by China News Service, Wikimedia commons.