Official Silence on Li Qiang Conveying Xi’s Greetings Raises Questions

Beginning to Betray Xi? Li Qiang’s Weakest Support for Xi at the Two Sessions (AI-Generated Image)

[People News] Li Qiang's schedule was fully packed ahead of the Fifth Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China. On October 15, the day after Li Qiang, the Premier of the State Council, delivered a rare video speech at the opening ceremony of the new Yalu River Bridge connecting China and North Korea, he convened an executive meeting of the State Council. On the same day, Xi Jinping visited Ulanqab City in Inner Mongolia to inspect green development, and official media published a rare photo of Xi with his hands in his pockets, which some deemed 'indecent.'

On the morning of the 17th, after attending and speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Traditional Medicine Conference, Li Qiang immediately took a charter flight from Beijing for an official visit to Uzbekistan, followed by an official visit to Tajikistan and participation in the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. He then travelled to Moscow for the 31st regular meeting of the Chinese and Russian Premiers.

In Uzbekistan, Li Qiang held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov on the afternoon of the 17th, focusing on multi-field cooperation. They signed cooperation documents in areas such as e-commerce, climate, and media, and witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements in economic and trade, education, customs, health, and poverty alleviation.

On the same day, Li Qiang also met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During their meeting, Li Qiang noted that under the 'strategic guidance' of Xi and President Mirziyoyev, their cooperation has achieved results, and he expressed hope to continue to 'move forward hand in hand.'

While we could overlook the fact that the rhetoric has already taken on Xi's 'style,' it is particularly odd that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state media did not report on Li Qiang conveying Xi Jinping's greetings to the President of Ukraine. Did Li Qiang fail to mention it? Clearly not.

Reports from the Uzbekistan News Agency indicate that at the start of the meeting, Li Qiang conveyed Xi Jinping's 'sincere greetings and best wishes' to Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Why was this not reported by the CCP state media? What could be the reason behind this omission?

Moreover, the Uzbekistan News Agency reported that 'the two sides discussed issues related to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries under various conditions in the new era.' Typically, such discussions about strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership should involve the highest leaders of both nations. Previously, this was a platform for Xi Jinping to showcase his global 'charm,' but now it has shifted to Li Qiang. What does this signify?

After concluding his visit to Uzbekistan, Li Qiang proceeded to Tajikistan, where he met with both the Prime Minister and the President. The events that transpired in Uzbekistan were mirrored in Tajikistan; when the CCP state media reported on Li Qiang's meeting with President Emomali Rahmon, the focus remained on future relations between the two countries. Li Qiang assured the continuation of bilateral relations, yet there was no mention of him conveying Xi's greetings to President Rahmon. Isn't that peculiar?

Indeed, it is strange! According to past conventions, as Prime Minister, Li Qiang would typically convey Xi's greetings when meeting with heads of state from countries that maintain close ties with the CCP.

For instance, on the afternoon of November 18, 2025, Li Qiang met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. Chinese state media reported that 'Li Qiang first conveyed Chairman Xi Jinping's warm greetings and best wishes to President Putin.'

On October 9, Li Qiang met with Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, in Pyongyang. Chinese state media noted that 'Li Qiang first conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping's warm greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Kim Jong-un.'

On August 21, 2024, Li Qiang again met with President Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. Chinese state media reported that 'Li Qiang first conveyed Chairman Xi Jinping's warm greetings and best wishes to President Putin.'

On August 22, during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko at the Independence Palace in Belarus, state media also mentioned that 'Li Qiang first conveyed Chairman Xi Jinping's warm greetings to President Lukashenko.'

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Based on reports from Uzbekistan, the author infers that, as a matter of diplomatic protocol, Li Qiang conveyed Xi's greetings during his meetings with the presidents of both countries. However, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seemingly chose not to report this, which clearly undermines Xi's status. This raises further questions about whether Xi truly holds power and whether the Fifth Plenary Session has relieved him of some responsibilities, providing additional evidence to support this.

Furthermore, Li Qiang's visit appears to serve as a notification to both countries regarding upcoming changes within the CCP's leadership, assuring them that even if there are shifts at the top, the bilateral relationship will remain stable. Li Qiang's ability to provide such assurances is undoubtedly significant and is closely tied to external reports suggesting he is poised for a higher position. A similar scenario is likely to unfold in Moscow shortly thereafter, unless the CCP intends to obscure the obvious.

The author believes that if the senior leadership of the Communist Party of China has not come to an agreement regarding personnel changes, then Li Qiang's recent prominence and the unusual actions of state media appear somewhat puzzling; conversely, the opposite holds true as well.

(First published by People News) △