Leadership Shuffle China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang Replaced by Wang Yi
The Chinese government has made a surprising announcement, removing Qin Gang from the post of foreign minister and replacing him with his predecessor, Wang Yi, as reported by state media.
The decision was made during a session of China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress, which convened on Tuesday, but no reasons were given for Qin’s removal during the national evening news broadcast.
Qin Gang, who became foreign minister in December, has not been seen in public since June 25, when he held talks with counterparts from Russia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. His absence has been shrouded in mystery, and he missed subsequent high-level meetings with foreign officials, leading to speculation about his sudden disappearance.
The 57-year-old Qin, who had been serving in roles related to foreign affairs since the late 1980s, was considered a rising star within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and was known for his strong defense of China’s geopolitical positions. He was seen as a close confidant of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and his promotion to foreign minister was attributed to the trust placed in him by President Xi.
His sudden removal and unexplained absence have fueled speculation about his standing within the CCP leadership. Several high-profile figures in China have disappeared from public view for extended periods without explanation in recent years, adding to the intrigue surrounding Qin Gang’s departure from the foreign minister position.
