Wang Yi replaces “missing” Qin Gang as Chinese FM

Wang Yi was appointed as the Chinese Foreign Minister on Tuesday by China’s top legislature. Qin Gang has been removed from his position as Foreign Minister after he went “missing”, though Qin’s title as State Councilor is not changed.

According to Chinese media reports, Qin last time appeared publicly on June 25 for meetings with the Russian, Vietnamese, and Sri Lankan foreign ministers. Qin was serving as Foreign Minister since December 2022.

70-year-old newly designated FM, Wang Yi has served as Chinese Ambassador to Japan from 2001 to 2004. He has also served the Department of Asian Affairs and the crucial Taiwan Work Office.

Initially, officials attributed the former FM’s absence to health concerns; however, widespread conjecture suggested that he might have incurred the displeasure of the country’s leadership or become entangled in numerous scandals.

News agency Xinhua reported that the decision was made effective through a presidential order signed by Xi Jinping. Qin is considered to be a close aide of President Xi.

This is not the first instance of unexplained absences involving officials in China. Last year, Industry Minister Xiao Yaqing also vanished from public sight for almost a month before it came to light that he was under investigation for corruption.

Previously, he served as a foreign ministry spokesman and played a pivotal role in organizing Mr. Xi’s international journeys, providing him with the chance to work closely alongside China’s leader.

CM Jakhar

A news enthusiast by hobby, CM is the founder of Prediction Junction. He is always passionate to dig into the latest in the world and has a natural way of depicting his analysis and thoughts. His main motive is to bring the true and recent piece on where the world is heading.

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