Speculation continues to swirl around the sudden removal of Qin Gang as China’s foreign minister, just seven months into the job. The announcement of his removal came after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, with no reason given for the decision. Qin’s predecessor, Wang Yi, has been reappointed to the post. Qin’s unexplained disappearance from public view for the past month had sparked rumors and speculation both in China and abroad. Social media platforms were flooded with searches and discussions about his abrupt dismissal. The lack of censorship surrounding these discussions is unusual for such a high-level official, leading to further speculation about power struggles, corruption, and other potential reasons for his removal.
Qin Gang, known as a close associate of Chinese President Xi Jinping, had a rapid rise to become foreign minister. He previously served as China’s ambassador to the US and gained a reputation as a tough-talking ”wolf-warrior” diplomat. Before that, he worked as a foreign ministry spokesman and helped organize President Xi’s trips overseas. The sudden removal of Qin adds to a series of public problems that President Xi has faced in the past year, according to Ian Johnson, a senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
Qin’s disappearance from public view a month ago, along with the postponement of his meeting with the European Union foreign policy chief, fueled speculation about his whereabouts and the reasons behind it. The official explanation given at the time was unspecified health problems. However, it is not uncommon for high-profile figures in China to go out of public view for extended periods, only to reappear later as the subject of a criminal investigation or with no explanation.
Wang Yi, a career diplomat who previously held the position of foreign minister from 2013 to 2022, has been appointed as Qin’s replacement. Observers see Wang’s appointment as a move to stabilize Chinese diplomacy. He is known for his relationships with foreign counterparts and is seen as a capable official who can maintain continuity and predictability in the position. With major international meetings on the horizon, Wang’s appointment is expected to contribute to the stabilization of US-China relations.
The National People’s Congress is likely to announce a new foreign minister next March, providing time for careful vetting and selection of a suitable candidate. Under the Chinese Communist Party system, foreign policy is formulated by a high-level official who then directs the foreign minister to implement it.
Why is the lack of censorship surrounding discussions about Qin’s abrupt dismissal seen as uncommon for a high-ranking official
Ang, who was appointed as China’s foreign minister just seven months ago, has been unexpectedly removed from his position. The announcement of his removal came after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, but no clear reason was provided for the decision. In his place, Wang Yi, Qin’s predecessor, has been reappointed as foreign minister.
Qin’s sudden disappearance from public view for the past month had led to various rumors and speculations, both within China and internationally. These rumors gained traction on social media platforms, which saw a surge in searches and discussions about his abrupt dismissal. Interestingly, the lack of censorship surrounding these discussions is uncommon for a high-ranking official, sparking further speculation about potential power struggles or corruption behind Qin’s removal.
The circumstances surrounding Qin’s departure have fueled significant speculation, with many questioning the motivations for his removal. As concerns continue to swirl, it remains unclear as to what factors may have contributed to Qin’s sudden exit from his role as China’s foreign minister.
It’s intriguing how Qin Gang’s sudden removal as China’s Foreign Minister leaves us with more questions than answers. What lies in the shadows of this mystery? Only time will tell.