BEIJING (Oct 22): Former Chinese president Hu Jintao was unexpectedly escorted out of the closing ceremony of a congress of the ruling Communist Party on Saturday (Oct 22). Hu, 79, Xi Jinping's immediate predecessor, was seated to the left of Xi. Video footage published by AFP showed a steward repeatedly trying to lift Hu from his seat, drawing concerned looks from officials seated nearby. Looking distressed, Hu appeared to resist leaving as the stewards escorted him out, turning back to his seat at one point. Hu had appeared slightly unsteady last Sunday when he was assisted onto the same stage for the opening ceremony of the congress.
