Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was led out of Saturday's closing ceremony of the Communist Party's National Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing while the meeting was still in session.

Hu, who was sitting next to President Xi Jinping, was prodded to leave by two staff members before the adoption of a draft revision to the party's constitution.

Hu initially appeared reluctant and tried to stay in his seat by shaking off the hand of a steward who was holding his arm.

On his way out, Hu had a brief exchange with Xi. He also patted the shoulder of Premier Li Keqiang, who was not elected to the party's Central Committee.

Hu was escorted out of the venue with one of the staffers holding his arm.

His unexpected exit took place in front of media crews who were covering the congress.