Former Chinese leader Hu unexpectedly leaves Congress closing ceremony

China: President Hu Jintao escorted out of party congress

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China’s former top leader, Hu Jintao, was unexpectedly led out of Saturday’s closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress

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Hu then appeared to rise after being lifted up by the staff member, who’d taken the former leader by the arm

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Hu spoke with the two men briefly and initially appeared reluctant to leave.

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China’s former top leader, Hu Jintao, was unexpectedly led out of Saturday’s closing ceremony of the Communist Party Congress

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On his way out, Hu was seen to pause and appeared to say something to Xi and then patted Premier Li Keqiang on the shoulder.

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other officials applaud during the closing ceremony of the party's 20th National Congress,

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while the seat occupied by former leader Hu Jintao remains empty, following his unexpected exit from the room.

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