In a rare opportunity, state-run media spotted two of China's leaders, President Xi Jinping and former President Jiang Zemin seated side-by-side in a concert commemorating the People's Republic of China's 65^th anniversary on Monday.

In a portrayal of the Communist Party harmony, the two leaders attended the commemorative concert held in Beijing, marking the 88-year-old former CPC leader's first appearance since May.

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The sighting also dispelled rumors that the former Chinese president had passed away after suffering from cancer or some fatal ailment.

The rumors emerged when his name was not mentioned in reports in September among those who had sent his sympathies during the passing of one of their old comrades.

Together with six other Politburo Standing Committee members Jiang sat beside Xi along a privilege eight-seat row beneath a massive banner stating: "To Realize the Dream of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation."

According to analysts, Jiang's presence beside Xi is a show of unity among the CPC party and indicates that the former Chinese president expresses his support for the current administration's quest to cleanse the country of corrupted officials.

Although Jiang had long retired as chairman of the Central Military Commission, he remained an influential figure in the Communist Party as well as Chinese politics in general.

Over 3,000 people had attended the celebration where former premier Wen Jiabao and former president Hu Jintao were not able to attend.

The absence of the two, especially President Xi's predecessor, had been highlighted in some reports but no explanation was given as for their absence.

Former National People's Congress leader Wu Bangguo, former Premier Li Peng, former Minister of Foreign Trade and Economics Li Lanqing, former head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection He Guoqiang, and former vice president and head of the Central Secretariat of the Communist Party Zeng Qinghong were also present during the celebration.

Tagspresident, former, Jiang Zemin, Concert, anniversary, National Day