Former Chinese president Hu Jintao unexpectedly led out of party congress

A frail-looking Hu seemed reluctant to leave the front row in Beijing's Great Hall, with no explanation given for his departure

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China's former leader Hu Jintao was escorted from the closing session of a key Communist party meeting in Beijing, a rare moment of unscripted drama in what is usually carefully choreographed political theatre.

Hu, who is 79, and stepped down as head of the party 10 years ago, seemed confused and reluctant to leave his seat on stage at the Great Hall of the People.