# The internet is abuzz with the rumor that Xi Jinping is under house arrest **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 24, 2022, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144 "2022-09-24T13:09:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/1 "2022-09-24T13:09:26Z")
What do you guys think? This would be huge, wouldn’t it? I don’t know if this is considered a credible site. > **[Is Chinese President Xi Jinping under house arrest?](https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/china-president-xi-jinping-under-house-arrest-pla-cpc-latest-updates-2022-09-24-811117)** > > Reports suggest that Chinese President Xi Jinping has been put under house arrest after he was removed from the post of PLA chief. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/2 "2022-09-24T13:21:18Z")
No major news site is reporting this from what I can see. I would say wait until something more substantial comes out. Also, we do expect more from OPs in P&E than _What do you guys think? This would be huge, wouldn’t it? I don’t know if this is considered a credible site._ If you think it is worth sharing for the political implications, share more of your thoughts. If you think it is breaking news, start it in MPSIMS. I’m going to leave this open, but give a little more next time please. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/3 "2022-09-24T13:21:38Z")
The “rumours” would be more credible if major news organizations were confirming or even speculating about them. Elsewhere, it seems like Xi Jinping is thriving and [eliminating his political enemies](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-sentences-former-public-security-vice-minister-death-graft-2022-09-23/). ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/4 "2022-09-24T13:51:04Z")
I note the use of passive voice. “Under house arrest” after he was “removed from his post”. Arrested by whom, and removed by whom? He’s the absolute leader of one of the most powerful countries in the world. If he’s been “removed” and/or “arrested”, that means that there’s been a coup by someone. And how the heck do you take over a country without letting anyone know you’ve done it? ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/5 "2022-09-24T13:58:30Z")
It seems like the allegation in the article that, “international and domestic flights to and from Beijing have been halted, and that the city has been cut off from the rest of the world” should be pretty easily confirmed or disproved. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/6 "2022-09-24T13:59:23Z")
Just checked a few Airline flight status to Beijing UA 288 San Francisco to Beijing - Cancelled Lots of other flights cancelled > **[Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Departures - Today](https://www.beijing-airport.com/pek-departures)** > > Flight Departures information from Beijing Capital Airport (PEK): Status and Estimated times - Today Not saying that this is a confirmation of the OP, but something unusual ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/7 "2022-09-24T13:59:57Z")
Yeah, I’d wait for more “reliable leakage” — it _would_ be a big thing, as for 40 some years now China has _not_ used the direct palace-purge method, but have instead, for lack of a better phrase “not renewed your contract” and in fact they were about to go into the Party Congress to decide whether to keep Xi, where the odds were on his staying. Also, a heap of unusual things could be happening that is not necessarily that. After all the PRC is not exactly transparent about WTF may be going wrong internally (cough, cough, cough…) ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/8 "2022-09-24T14:07:01Z")
I apologize What Exit. I know I tend to get too excited when it looks like something big is going on and I’m desperate for someone to talk about it with. Please feel free to move it or close it as you see fit, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/9 "2022-09-24T14:14:57Z")
> [@am77494](#): > > Just checked a few Airline flight status to Beijing > > UA 288 San Francisco to Beijing - Cancelled > > Lots of other flights cancelled There seem to be a number of flights out of LAX to China today including to Beijing that are still on the schedule (I checked, thinking about the possibility of a carefree couple of days in Shanghai). But we picked up fried rice, steamed dumplings, orange beef and Happy Family at the Great Wall take-out yesterday, so there’s really no need. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/10 "2022-09-24T14:24:46Z")
According to the posted article… “Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently under house arrest, several media reports claimed on Saturday, adding that the capital Beijing is currently under army control. **The reports have not been confirmed by either Chinese credible media, or have been independently confirmed by India TV**.” I think that’s the definition of a rumor. Someone prove me wrong. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/11 "2022-09-24T14:37:59Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > There seem to be a number of flights out of LAX to China today including to Beijing that are still on the schedule I do not see any direct flights to PEK (Beijing) today on LAX website. Can you please tell one flight that I can check ? ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/12 "2022-09-24T14:38:49Z")
I could, but then I’d have to charge you travel agent fees. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/13 "2022-09-24T14:56:16Z")
Air China flight 653 seems to have departed on time for Los Angeles two hours ago. Edit: _To_ Beijing, duh, never mind. ---
**Author:** ![am77494](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d2c977/32.png) [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/14 "2022-09-24T14:57:55Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I could, but then I’d have to charge you travel agent fees No problem. I’ll pay travel agent fees ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/15 "2022-09-24T15:02:38Z")
> [@dolphinboy](#): > > According to the posted article… > > “Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently under house arrest, several media reports claimed on Saturday, adding that the capital Beijing is currently under army control. **The reports have not been confirmed by either Chinese credible media, or have been independently confirmed by India TV**.” > > I think that’s the definition of a rumor. Someone prove me wrong. - You’re not wrong. > **[Definition of RUMOR](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rumor)** > > talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source; a statement or report current without known authority for its truth; talk or report of a notable person or event… See the full definition 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/16 "2022-09-24T15:09:38Z")
Certainly a rumour without basis at the moment but I do note that the CCP congress is coming up in a scant few weeks at which it is expected that Xi Jinping will be given another 5 years in the top job. If shenanigans were afoot this would be a good time to start them. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/17 "2022-09-24T15:16:35Z")
[Article .says rumor is false](https://www.opindia.com/2022/09/rumours-of-military-coup-in-china-and-arrest-of-xi-jinping-turns-out-to-be-false/). But has conflicting info, still not clear or explanation of cancelled flights. There’s a lot of detail about the rumor there, not much proof or disproof. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b77776/32.png) [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/18 "2022-09-24T15:35:05Z")
I feel obliged to cite [Betteridge’s Law of Headlines.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge%27s_law_of_headlines) But still, I can dream. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2022, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/19 "2022-09-24T15:44:34Z")
I don’t think it applies anymore. Internet headlines are likely to make a positive assertion, followed by a story unrelated to the headline. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2022, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144/20 "2022-09-26T16:52:18Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > But has conflicting info, still not clear or explanation of cancelled flights. Its likely related to their [zero-Covid policy](https://online.ucpress.edu/currenthistory/article/121/836/203/191411/China-s-Zero-COVID-Campaign-and-the-Body-Politic). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-is-abuzz-with-the-rumor-that-xi-jinping-is-under-house-arrest/972144.md?page=2)