Former Chinese President Hu Jintao, front row second from right, talks to his predecessor as party leader Xi Jinping, right.

Video. China's former leader helped off stage at party congress

Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was helped off the stage during the closing session of a week-long party congress in Beijing on Saturday.

Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was helped off the stage during the closing session of a week-long party congress in Beijing on Saturday.

The 79-year-old looked slightly disoriented as two assistants led him away, sparking speculation about his health.

Hu spoke briefly to his successor, President Xi Jinping, whom he had been sitting next to in the front row.

Beijing has yet to make an official comment on the incident.