China’s No. 3 Leader Skips Key Political Meeting Citing Illness

Zhao Leji at the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 8.

Photographer: Adek Berry/AFP/Getty Images
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China’s No. 3 official and former anti-corruption chief missed the closing ceremony of his country’s top legislative body for health reasons, according to authorities.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress, failed to host the event Tuesday in Beijing, with his deputy Li Hongzhong assuming his duties. “Chairman Zhao Leji has asked for a sick leave this afternoon due to respiratory infections,” Li said.