Mystery absence of China's Xi Jinping fuels rumor frenzy

Chinese micro-bloggers and overseas websites have come up with all kinds of speculation as to why the current Vice President and President-in-waiting Xi Jinping has gone unseen for more than a week.

Where is President-in-waiting Xi Jinping?

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Is he nursing a bad back after pulling a muscle in a pick-up soccer game (or maybe in the swimming pool)? Has he been convalescing after narrowly escaping a revenge killing by supporters of ousted local Communist Party boss Bo Xilai?

Was he in a car accident? Or is he just really busy getting ready to lead the world's No. 2 economy ahead of an expected leadership transition next month?

Chinese micro-bloggers and overseas websites have come up with all kinds of speculation as to why the current Vice President has gone unseen for more than a week.

During that span, Xi canceled meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries including US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. On Monday, it was the Danish Prime Minister's turn.

Xi's whereabouts during this sudden absence from the spotlight may never be known.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is seen during the closing ceremony of the National People's Congress in Beijing. AFP

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping speaks to Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi (not pictured) during their meeting in Beijing. AF)

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China's next leader buoyed by fresh setback for Hu
Does China's next leader have a soft spot for Tibet?