Despite illness, Xi Jinping refusing surgery, taking traditional medicine for cerebral aneurysm: report

After Russia's Vladimir Putin, the health of China's Xi Jinping is in the spotlight. The Chinese president is suffering from a cerebral aneurysm, according to media reports.

Jinping also had to be hospitalised in late 2021. However, the Communist leader opted for traditional Chinese medicine rather than surgery which softens blood vessels and shrinks the aneurysm.

Rumours have been swirling about Jinping's health since before the Covid-19 pandemic. When the Chinese President visited Italy in March 2019, some observers said that he was limping.

Days later, in France, Jinping had to take support while sitting down. In October 2020, Jinping spoke slowly and coughed while addressing people in Shenzhen.

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The claims about his ill health are coming as Xi Jinping tries to secure a historic third term as President, and equalling icons like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.