China's Xi appears in public after speculation: Xinhua
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In this Aug 29, 2012 file photo, Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping meets with Egypt's President Mohammed Morsi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi has made a public appearance, state media said on Saturday, following swirling speculation about the whereabouts of Beijing's leader-in-waiting. -- PHOTO: AP
BEIJING (AFP) - China's Vice-President Xi Jinping has made a public appearance, state media said on Saturday, following swirling speculation about the whereabouts of Beijing's leader-in-waiting.
Mr Xi had not been seen in public since Sept 1 and cancelled meetings with four foreign dignitaries including United States (US) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, giving rise to intense speculation about his health.
The vice president arrived at China Agricultural University on Saturday morning for "activities marking this year's National Science Popularisation Day", state-run news agency Xinhua said.
His unexplained disappearance came at a highly sensitive time for China, which is gearing up for a generational handover of power.
