China This Week | Rumours about Xi’s health, US jets arrive in Taiwan, and more

Over the past few days, analysts and China observers have debated the purpose of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, DC in late September. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Xi's staff requested several breaks and shorter events, raising questions about the 73-year-old's health. This comes after similar rumors during Xi's visit to India for the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

More recently, the US delivered two F-16V fighter jets to Taiwan, a move that has been delayed for years. The jets strengthen Taiwan's defense capabilities and reassure the US of its continued support. However, the delivery comes at a time when the US has delayed a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, the largest such package in recent history.

Finally, satellite images reveal China is constructing a full-scale runway at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea, potentially becoming one of China's most significant offshore bases in the region. Military analysts view this move as one of China's most important military expansions in the contested area.