Where is Mr Xi?

Chinese Vice President, Xi Jinping, is slated to be designated President of China at the next Chinese Party Congress.

There are however two big problems. Although the Party Congress should take place next month, a date has not yet been set -- suggesting that there may still be infighting and other problems inside the Chinese Communist Party.

More importantly, Vice President Xi is "missing in action". Over the past week, he has cancelled meetings with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Danish Prime Minister. Beijing did not provide any information regarding those cancellations, and will not give any clear information regarding Mr Xi.

In Beijing, the rumour mill is running hot. Was there an assassination attempt? Sporting injury? Mild heart attack?

As much as the Chinese Communist Party tries to give an impression of stability and solidarity at this time of leadership change, it is hard not to get the sense of instability and faction fighting. Charades is a difficult game to play.