Xi Jinping makes first public appearance since returning from overseas

President Xi Jinping reemerged after not being seen in public since his first foreign trip in more than two years earlier this month. Xi's public appearance comes after he returned to Beijing from a summit in Uzbekistan at midnight on Sept. 16. His recent absence was consistent with China's strict Covid protocols, which mandate all international arrivals undergo seven days of hotel quarantine, followed by three days of home isolation. In July, the Chinese leader wasn't seen in public for almost two weeks after a two-day trip to Hong Kong to celebrate 25 years of Chinese rule in the city. While Xi's recent sweep through Central Asia marked his return to the world stage, the Chinese leader displayed a more cautious approach to the virus than his peers. Xi's has made tough Covid measures a cornerstone of his leadership, with state media citing the nation's lower death toll as evidence China has a superior governance model to the US and its Western allies. Virus measures are set to tighten as Xi prepares for a twice-in-a-decade leadership summit next month, where he's expected to secure a precedent-busting third term in office.