Mugabe, 86, has been photographed in public a second time in a month needing a helping hand negotiating steps – this time in Shanghai, China, where two VIP protection agents -- one female and another male -- were on standby to help him down after he delivered a speech at the Zimbabwe Expo held on the sidelines of the World Expo on Wednesday.

"It is thus natural and logical for us to forge a strategic relationship with an all-weather friend as the People's Republic of China."

Showing no signs of slowing down after 30 years in power, Mugabe was snapped leaving an African Union summit in Uganda on July 27 with security agents and other delegates clasping his arms.

His critics admit Mugabe’s sharpness at meetings and his ability to keep up with a punishing schedule belie his advanced age, but pictures of him struggling to walk unaided will deliver a blow to his image built over many years as a strongman of Zimbabwean politics.

He has been captured before appearing to stumble while walking up steps – in June last year while walking with Swaziland’s King Mswati, and in December at a ceremony to swear-in his deputy, John Nkomo.

For now, Mugabe has publicly stated his desire to fight the next election – expected within two years. Privately though, some senior officials of his Zanu PF party say, Mugabe has spoken of his wish to “rest”.

Jelly legs ... Mugabe pulls up his trousers at the Trade Fair in Bulawayo in April (left) and he walks
awkwardly on a red carpet at John Nkomo's swearing-in last December

Check your balance ... Mugabe appears to be out of shape as he walks up the steps with King
Mswati III (left) and he gets a helping hand in Uganda on July 27

Careful ... Eagle-eyed First Lady Grace watches her husband's step as they board a plane (left)
and a strange swelling on Mugabe's ankles while on the campaign trail in 2008