China‘s foreign minister, Qin Gang, has been relieved of his duties in less than seven months since assuming the position.
The position will be now be assumed by Wang Yi, who has experience as both the former foreign minister and the current foreign affairs chief of the Communist Party.
The extended period of Mr. Qin’s absence from public appearances, and the subsequent official silence, has ignited widespread speculation.
As of 25 June, the 57-year-old had participated in his last public engagements, and his removal was not accompanied by any disclosed reasons.
Having assumed his position last December, Mr. Qin was highly regarded as a trusted confidant by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
‘China’s top legislature voted to appoint Wang Yi as foreign minister,’ state news agency Xinhua said.
‘Qin Gang was removed from the post of foreign minister.’
President Xi’s direct involvement was confirmed in the report, as he personally signed the decree ratifying the move.
Within the framework of the Chinese Communist Party system, foreign policy is developed by a top-level official, who later guides the foreign minister in executing the plan.
A month ago, Mr. Qin’s disappearance from his regular duties and his absence from an Indonesia summit were attributed to unspecified health problems in a brief statement.
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With no concrete details provided by his ministry, rumors began circulating, prompting speculation that Mr. Qin’s removal was a consequence of political machinations or an alleged extramarital affair.
Mr. Qin’s rapid progression to the position of foreign minister was striking, solidifying his status as one of the youngest appointees in the history of this position in China.
After less than a two-year term as the ambassador to the US, he was appointed to the position of foreign minister in December.
Prior to that, he had served as a foreign ministry spokesman and played a key role in coordinating Mr. Xi’s international visits, affording him the chance to forge a close working relationship with China’s leader.