SCMP "Possible Secret Meeting in Beidaihe, China"

Xi Jinping, President of China

The Beidaihe meeting, where current and former Chinese leaders discuss major issues privately during the holiday season, may have been held secretly, according to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 18th.

SCMP stated, "China has been greatly shocked by U.S. sanctions, and with the complex domestic economic situation, this year's Beidaihe meeting has attracted the attention of Chinese experts," adding, "The most certain speculation is that the meeting was held recently."

Previously, Chinese-language media speculated that the Beidaihe meeting had taken place after reports on the movements of China's top leadership disappeared in early August.

However, as there were no reports of expert panel discussions by Chinese state media?usually used to gauge the timing of the Beidaihe meeting?some argued that this year's meeting might have been skipped.

SCMP argued that the Beidaihe meeting has likely concluded, based on the resumption of reports on the activities of China's top leadership, including Premier Li Keqiang and Standing Committee member Wang Huning, who had been absent for nearly two weeks, on the 17th.

The newspaper particularly noted that with Wang, who accompanies President Xi Jinping at close proximity, appearing in state media, it is expected that this year's summer holiday for Chinese leaders has also ended.

SCMP said, "If the Beidaihe meeting was held, this year's meeting will be remembered as the most mysterious one," adding, "Last month on the 31st, President Xi chaired a Chinese Communist Party Politburo meeting, set national development strategies through 2035, and attended a ceremony marking the completion of the Beidou navigation satellite system."

The newspaper also added, "During this period, Chinese state media continued to report on President Xi's state activities, including phone calls with foreign leaders and directives to reduce food waste."

Furthermore, "This suggests that the historically significant annual holiday has somewhat lost its meaning under the leadership of President Xi, who holds the strongest power since former President Mao Zedong."