BEIJING — China's presumed next leader has made a public appearance for the first time in two weeks.

The official Xinhua News Agency says Vice President Xi Jinping arrived at China Agricultural University in Beijing on Saturday for activities marking National Science Popularization Day.

The brief Xinhua report does not address why Xi has not been seen publicly since Sept. 1. Since then, Xi canceled meetings with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other foreign leaders.

His absence had fueled rumors of his health and raised questions about the stability of the Communist Party's succession process.

Xi is due to take over as the party leader later this year and as president next year as the country transitions to a new generation of leaders.