<h1>China's NPC Chairman Reappears Energetically After Missing Session, Thanks Media for Highlighting Democracy and Economic Optimism</h1> China's third-ranking leader, the Chairman of the National People's Congress, reappeared after sparking rumors by missing the legislature's annual session closing ceremony due to a respiratory infection. He left his deputy to preside over the event, marking the first absence of a Politburo Standing Committee member from the NPC closing in decades. On Wednesday, he met with state media in Beijing, appearing energetic and expressing gratitude for their coverage, which he said highlighted China's democratic practices and economic optimism.