There is considerable speculation in Beijing about Li Zhanshu, Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC)
member and one of Xi Jinping's closest confidants, since he was absent at the New Year's tea party in Beijing
hosted by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee on 31
December. Li Zhanshu is No: 3 in the PBSC.
According to a comprehensive CCP official media report issued by the Central News Agency on January 3,
Li Zhanshu’s last public appearance was at the Politburo’s ‘Democratic Life Meeting’ held in Beijing from
December 17-28, 2021. Li appeared in the CCTV news broadcast on the evening of December 28, sitting in
the innermost circle with Xi Jinping and other PBSC members. Prior to this, Li Zhanshu, as National People's
Congress (NPC) Chairman, presided over the closing meeting of the 32nd meeting of the 13th NPC Standing
Committee on December 24 and delivered a speech after the voting was completed. Later the same day, he
presided over the NPC Standing Committee’s 26th special lecture.
In addition to Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, Han Zheng, and other members
of the PBSC and Wang Qishan, Vice President of China, were among those at the Zhengxie’s New Year’s
Tea Party on December 31st. Politburo members, the Secretary of the CCP CC Secretariat, some leaders of
the NPC Standing Committee and PRC State Council, leaders of the CPPCC National Committee, and the
outgoing Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee also attended the function.
(Comment: Observers say the tea party was the highest-ranking and wide-ranging occasion for the party and
government of the CCP to attend, and all important figures were present.)
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