Xi Rarely Sits Below the Stage: Is the Whole Nation Considering a Successor?

Xi Jinping rarely sits below the stage, submerged in the crowd. (Video screenshot)

[People News] The 2026 Beijing "Two Sessions" appears to be unfolding in a routine manner as a political showcase, yet within the details, it reveals extremely unusual, even bizarre political signals. Cameras and reporters captured two key scenes: "sitting below the stage" and "successor".

Firstly, according to the on-site video, Xi Jinping's seating arrangement at the Great Hall of the People this time is markedly different from the past 13 years.

In previous years, Xi Jinping would always occupy the front row of the podium, in a central position that symbolised the concentration of power. However, this time, he surprisingly sat below the stage, and from a distance, it appeared as though he was sitting "among the crowd", creating a sense of being "drowned in the sea of people".

This change in seating has led to two completely different interpretations from observers: First, could this be a signal of "retirement"? This is certainly a hope shared by many. Second, it may indicate a need for "security defence". In the context of the precise assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, Xi Jinping has exhibited a strong sense of insecurity. By sitting among the crowd, he may be attempting to avoid becoming a singular target, using the representatives around him as a psychological "shield".

Xi Jinping's unusual appearance sitting among the audience has ignited speculation about his potential retirement. On March 6, a video emerged online concerning the topic of his successor. In the footage, representatives at the Two Sessions were notably pursued by foreign journalists asking about 'Xi Jinping's successor,' raising the question: Does this imply something?

Confronted with this highly sensitive issue, NPC representative Cai Peihui candidly acknowledged that these matters are beyond their authority to discuss; another female representative, Tang Chunyu, was so taken aback that she didn't even attempt to respond and quickly left the scene.

In a surprising turn, Shandong NPC representative Jiang Weidong hesitated briefly before stating, 'This is something the entire nation is considering,' adding, 'I hope the country continues to improve.' Although he later attempted to mitigate his statement by saying 'the leader is excellent,' in the current political climate, his candid remark is both valuable and perilous, as it poses a significant affront to Xi Jinping.

The origin of this video, whether it is from this year's Two Sessions, remains unconfirmed. Nonetheless, it highlights the nationwide anxiety and anticipation regarding the possibility of a smooth transfer of power from Xi Jinping.
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