China's former president Hu Jintao has been unexpectedly escorted out of the closing ceremony of the ruling Communist Party. He seemed confused and appeared to resist leaving, turning back to his seat at one point. Watch the moment 👇 Read more:
It's hard to exaggerate just how highly choreographed, tightly controlled and meticulously planned these big political events in China are.The timing is curious. It happened after the voting had concluded for the new ruling Central Committee , and just after select journalists had been let into the hall.
If it was an example of political power play it would be utterly extraordinary. Despite the fact Mr Xi is known to have thought of Mr Hu as weak, and despite the fact they come from different wings of the party, former leaders are generally revered.
At the previous congress in 2017 the party boosted Mr Xi's status by enshrining his ideas, known as Xi Jinping Thought, in its charter. It is almost certain Mr Xi will be appointed to a precedent-breaking third term, meaning he could in theory become