In a surprising move, the Chinese government has replaced Qin Gang, the former Foreign Minister, with his predecessor, Wang Yi, according to state media reports. The announcement came as China’s top legislature voted to appoint Wang Yi as the new foreign minister during a session held on Tuesday. Qin Gang’s removal from the post raises questions and speculations about his sudden absence from public life.
Qin Gang, who assumed the role of foreign minister in December, last appeared in public on June 25, when he held talks with counterparts from Russia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Since then, he has not been seen or mentioned in official state media. His disappearance has raised eyebrows, considering his high-profile position and close ties to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The situation further intensified when China abruptly canceled talks between Qin Gang and European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on July 4, without providing any explanation. He also missed important meetings with United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and US climate envoy John Kerry. The foreign ministry cited “health reasons” for his absence during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Jakarta.
The sudden and unexplained absence of Qin Gang has fueled speculations that he may have fallen out of favor with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership. Qin, a Tianjin native, has been a prominent figure in the Chinese government since the late 1980s, primarily serving in roles related to foreign affairs. He was widely seen as a close confidant of President Xi Jinping and was considered a rising star within the CCP.
Mystery Surrounds Chinese Foreign Minister’s Disappearance
In recent years, Qin Gang has been associated with China’s assertive “wolf warrior” diplomacy, representing Beijing’s more aggressive stance on the global stage. However, his recent disappearance from public life has raised questions about the potential reasons behind the leadership change and the implications it may have on China’s foreign policy.
China has seen a growing list of high-profile figures going missing for extended periods without any official explanations in recent years. These mysterious disappearances often spark rumors and speculations about power struggles within the CCP leadership.
As the news of Wang Yi taking over the foreign minister’s role unfolds, the world will closely observe how China’s foreign policy and diplomatic approach evolve under his leadership. The abrupt change in the foreign ministry’s top position raises curiosity and highlights the secretive nature of the Chinese political landscape.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is based on available reports and speculations from state media. It should not be considered as definitive information but rather as an analysis of the current situation. As with any political matters, changes and updates may occur, and further official statements from the Chinese government are awaited.