TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As China's 20th National Party Congress kicked off on Sunday (Oct. 16) the world caught a rare glimpse of many senior Chinese political leaders in attendance. Foreign media noted how President Xi Jinping helped former Chinese president 79-year-old Hu Jintao into his seat.
After Xi's 2-hour-long speech, the audience in the hall responded with a round of applause. However, Hu could be seen with his hands firmly placed on the table. Media pointed out that he did give Xi a look of acknowledgement when the current leader sat down.
Also, 105-year-old party elder Song Ping was also spotted at the Party Congress. Though he was seated in a wheelchair, he seemed to be focused during the proceedings. Moreover, 80-year-old Wen Jiabao who previously served as head of the Chinese government for a decade was also present, but 96-year-old Jiang Zemin was noticeably absent.
Basharat Rahool, a Pakistani correspondent stationed in Beijing stressed the importance of the party congress on the day. "I think it was a very great meeting [...] It was not important only for China, but an entire world was looking at it."
