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This is John Batchel, conversation with colleague Charles Burton of synopsis about a mystery.

Xi Jinping. Is he still the absolute boss of the Chinese Communist Party? His media presence is odd these days, Charles will explain. In addition, they're all rumors all the time

about a challenge to his leadership these last years because of the desperate economy. Just a suggestion right now, looking for decision-making that's clear.

One detail did come up in conversation.

Xi Jinping will not attend the BRICS meeting in Rio coming up.

Strange.

More of this tonight, Charles Burton, with Gordon Chang.

Good evening. I do think it's a significant development.

Certainly his presence in the news, two nights ago in the news, there was no mention of him whatsoever.

Whereas in the past, most of the news started with four or five items on Mr.

Shee himself. When he has been depicted on the news, it's been doing largely ceremonial things,

...