the Communist Party 's shows Vice President Hong Lei appearing at a China university . Since then , the cancellation of a number of meetings with high-profile foreign dignitaries has created a storm of speculation as rumor and hearsay fill the void of official information . Media has not reported him being out in public since daily . Xi is seen as a contender to become Beijing 's next leader . His public absence has fueled speculation .
the Communist Party 's shows Vice President Hong Lei appearing at a China university . Media has not reported him being out in public since daily . Xi is seen as a contender to become Beijing 's next leader . His public absence has fueled speculation .