Why China’s ex-leader was escorted out of Communist Party congress - BBC News

Summary

The video covers a dramatic moment during the Communist Party Congress when former Chinese leader Hu Jintao was unexpectedly escorted out of the Great Hall of the People. As cameras captured the incident, questions arose regarding the reasons behind his removal, with speculations about power struggles and the shifting political landscape under Xi Jinping’s leadership. Despite official claims of Hu's ill health, the incident drew attention to the changing power dynamics and the symbolic representation of Xi’s dominance. The video explores the mystery behind the event and its implications on Chinese politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The event at the Great Hall of the People involved China's former leader, Hu Jintao, being escorted out during the Communist Party Congress.
• 😀 Hu Jintao appeared confused and unsure about leaving, which raised questions about the reasons behind the incident.
• 😀 Official Chinese media initially reported that Hu was not feeling well during the session but later claimed he was better.
• 😀 Global analysts, including Henry Gao and Ian Bremer, have questioned the motives behind publicly humiliating Hu Jintao.
• 😀 The footage showing Hu Jintao being escorted out went viral, leading to widespread speculation about the reasons for his removal.
• 😀 A 45-second segment of footage shows Hu seemingly unsure of why he was leaving, hinting at potential behind-the-scenes power struggles.
• 😀 A folder opened by Hu Jintao just before his removal could have contained sensitive information related to the new Central Committee.
• 😀 The incident highlights internal power dynamics, with Hu's faction appearing to have been sidelined, especially with the announcement of the new Central Committee.
• 😀 Ai Weiwei, a Chinese dissident and artist, speculated that the papers in Hu's folder might have been related to the new leadership structure.
• 😀 The power dynamics also involved Li Keqiang, a protege of Hu Jintao, who learned he'd be losing his position as Chinese Premier, further emphasizing the internal shifts.
• 😀 The incident, while heavily choreographed, could be an intentional display by Xi Jinping to showcase his dominant leadership and the decline of Hu Jintao's faction.

Q & A

What was the significant event described in the script?

The event described is the Communist Party Congress in China, where former leader Hu Jintao was escorted out in a highly publicized and unusual manner, raising questions about the political dynamics within the leadership.

Why did Hu Jintao leave the Congress meeting, according to the official explanation?

The official explanation from Chinese state media stated that Hu Jintao was not feeling well during the session and was escorted out for medical reasons. However, many have questioned this account due to the circumstances surrounding his departure.

What did the footage show about Hu Jintao's behavior before he was escorted out?

The footage showed Hu Jintao seeming confused and unsure about why he was leaving. There is also a moment where he hesitates to open a folder, and he appears to require assistance before being escorted out.

Why is the incident involving Hu Jintao’s departure significant?

The incident is significant because it highlights the power dynamics at play within China's Communist Party. Hu Jintao's exit symbolized the removal of his faction, signaling the consolidation of power by Xi Jinping.

What did Henry Gao, an academic, say about the situation?

Henry Gao commented that Xi Jinping does not do things like this (Hu Jintao’s removal) without a reason, implying that the public humiliation of Hu Jintao was a calculated political move.

What did the footage released on Tuesday reveal about Hu Jintao’s actions before his removal?

The footage released showed Hu Jintao attempting to open a folder, but he was stopped. The folder may have contained the names of members of the new Central Committee, which would indicate that Hu's faction had been excluded from power.

How did Chinese dissident and artist Ai Weiwei interpret the situation?

Ai Weiwei suggested that the papers Hu Jintao tried to access likely contained information about the new political appointments, implying that Hu’s removal was part of a broader power struggle and a shift in political realities.

What role did Li Keqiang play in the situation described in the transcript?

Li Keqiang, the Chinese Premier and Hu Jintao's protégé, was shown in the footage looking impassive as Hu was removed. Li had just learned he would lose his position, symbolizing the political shakeup within China’s leadership.

How does the script describe the symbolic importance of Hu Jintao’s removal?

The removal of Hu Jintao is described as a symbolic act of Xi Jinping’s dominance over China’s political leadership. The imagery of Hu being escorted out and an empty chair left in his place reflects Xi’s complete control.

What does the script suggest about the nature of political events in China?

The script suggests that political events in China, especially during the Communist Party Congress, are highly choreographed, and the public nature of Hu Jintao’s removal raises questions about whether this was a deliberate show of power by Xi Jinping.