Speculation Mounts Over Xi Jinping’s Covert Visit to Renowned Buddhist Temple

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s visit was a possible decoy.

Buddhist monks and nuns of Lingyin Temple walk to receive Buddhists's offerings during a charity event to celebrate the birth of Sakyamuni, founder of Buddhism, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, on May 25, 2015. VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Commentary

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s recent trip to China included a tour of a renowned Chinese Buddhist temple, which was marked by extraordinary hospitality. Analysts are speculating that the dignitary whom the temple was actually hosting might have been none other than Chinese leader Xi Jinping.