Elite Chinese Politics and Political Economy

Okay, it has been well over a month since Huang Ju's last appearance in public. I double-checked. His last public appearance was the CBRC Work meeting on January 16th. There was a State Asset Conference on January 23rd, but he did not attend, just merely "listened to report before-hand and provided important instructions." He remains the only Standing Committee member who did not attend the new year celebrations. He is still MIA. I attach a picture of him dated January 11th, 06. Unless he is on a very successful diet program, he looks a bit sickly. I apologize for this Kremlinology.