Veteran national security reporter Bill Gertz set off a firestorm on social media Wednesday, posting that wild “rumors are flying” about Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s health and a possible plot to remove him from power.
“Rumors are flying in China over Xi Jinping begin [sic] taken ill during his visit to India. They include claims that he suffered a minor illness to experiencing a stroke worsened by failure to treat early,” wrote Gertz, a national security correspondent for The Washington Times.
Gertz went further, noting even more extreme claims circulating online. “Some wild claims say rival group armies are mobilizing for civil war. No confirmation but Treasury Sec Bessent is meeting with Chinese counterparts today and we’ll see if the summit for Sept. 24 is still on,” he added.
Gertz, a former fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, has authored eight books and has covered national security for the Washington Times since 1985, giving his claims added weight among China watchers.
The report quickly rippled across the media landscape. Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt weighed in to vouch for Gertz’s credibility, writing, “Bill is a serious reporter. Has been on China Watch for decades. So watch this space.”
Journalist Dave Troy added another layer to the developing story, noting that Xi was not the only world leader reportedly falling ill after a major summit. “It’s now being reported that in addition to Xi, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa also became ill after attending the BRICS summit in India,” Troy wrote.
Political analyst Gordon Chang added perhaps the most sensational claim yet, suggesting rumors that two of Xi’s most powerful political rivals had been released from custody. “There are sensational rumors that the Chinese military has freed two of Xi Jinping’s most powerful enemies, Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang,” Chang wrote. “If these rumors are true, they’re hard to believe, Xi will not feel safe leaving China.”
The flurry of speculation comes as none of the claims have been officially confirmed, but the involvement of veteran reporters and analysts with decades of experience covering China has fueled widespread attention to the story. All eyes now turn to Treasury Secretary Bessent’s meeting with Chinese counterparts and whether the scheduled September 24 summit will proceed as planned, developments that could offer the first real clues about what, if anything, is actually happening within China’s leadership.
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