Qin Gang, China's former foreign minister, has resigned from the national legislature, state media reported on Tuesday (Feb 27) citing an official statement. &nbsp;

Qin became the matter of major controversy globally when he was removed from office after disappearing from the public eye for a month. He has been missing from public view since last June.&nbsp;

With the news of his resignation, the question regarding his whereabouts resurfaces.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-ai-generated-propaganda-poses-a-real-threat-this-historic-election-year-694344">How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year</a>&nbsp;

Qin was removed from his post after his disappearance, which came during a series of dismissals at the top of the party that included former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and other top military officials.&nbsp;

Qin was removed from office by Beijing's highest legislative body after only 207 days in the role.&nbsp;

China never gave any explanation for Qin's dismissal. The authorities rather remained a bit secretive and even installed veteran diplomat Wang Yi in his previous post as foreign minister.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/standard-chartered-halts-new-china-offshore-investments-amid-capital-outflow-worries-694313">Standard Chartered halts new China offshore investments amid capital outflow worries</a>

As per the recent reports, a notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee stated that the Tianjin Municipal People's Congress has accepted Qin's resignation as a delegate to the forthcoming annual parliamentary session.&nbsp;

Last year, a reference to Qin had also been removed from the website of China's foreign ministry, but after some time, his references started to reappear.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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Qin has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing, but China remained silent for weeks about the fate of Qin.&nbsp;

The official websites do not list Qin as a member of the State Council, China's Cabinet, but there has been no mention of whether he has been excluded from China’s ruling Communist Party.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Qin Gang, China's former foreign minister, has resigned from the national legislature, state media reported on Tuesday (Feb 27) citing an official statement. Qin became the matter of major controversy globally when he was removed from office after disappearing from the public eye for a month.

Qin Gang, China's former foreign minister, has resigned from the national legislature, state media reported on Tuesday (Feb 27) citing an official statement. Qin became the matter of major controversy globally when he was removed from office after disappearing from the public eye for a month. He has been missing from public view since last June. With the news of his resignation, the question regarding his whereabouts resurfaces. Also read: How AI-generated propaganda poses a real threat this historic election year Qin was removed from his post after his disappearance, which came during a series of dismissals at the top of the party that included former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and other top military officials. Qin was removed from office by Beijing's highest legislative body after only 207 days in the role. China never gave any explanation for Qin's dismissal. The authorities rather remained a bit secretive and even installed veteran diplomat Wang Yi in his previous post as foreign minister. Also read: Standard Chartered halts new China offshore investments amid capital outflow worries As per the recent reports, a notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee stated that the Tianjin Municipal People's Congress has accepted Qin's resignation as a delegate to the forthcoming annual parliamentary session. Last year, a reference to Qin had also been removed from the website of China's foreign ministry, but after some time, his references started to reappear. Watch this report: × Qin has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing, but China remained silent for weeks about the fate of Qin. The official websites do not list Qin as a member of the State Council, China's Cabinet, but there has been no mention of whether he has been excluded from China’s ruling Communist Party. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s ex-FM Qin Gang, missing from public view since months, resigns as lawmaker

China had removed Qin Gang from the post of foreign minister in July this year under mysterious circumstances.

Now five months later, Nikkei Asia has made this bombshell revelation: It could have been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tip lead that led Chinese President Xi Jinping to purge his foreign minister.

Nikkei Asia released this report on December 14 which says that Qin Gang might have become a victim of Russian informational warfare.

According to the report, Qin Gang was driving China’s foreign policy away from Russia and in favour of Ukraine, much to Putin’s chagrin.

<h2>Qin Gang’s pro-Ukraine turn</h2>

It all began in May when a Chinese delegation made a visit to Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegation was led by Li Hui, a former Chinese ambassador to Russia.

This meeting was the first indication that Beijing was changing its posture in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Just after that meeting, China also let Zelensky use Chinese airspace to fly to Japan for a G7 meeting.

Watch:&nbsp;Putin addresses ruling party conference | Accuses West of disruption across sectors

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In that meeting, Zelensky lashed out at Russia and appealed to the world for more support and aid. This again, did not go down well with Russia.

It was around that time when China expressed its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine.

All of this rattled the Kremlin, especially President Vladimir Putin, who then chose to play the gamble of his life.

<h2>Putin’s gamble</h2>

Russia gave a tip-off to Beijing. It was about Qin Gang. Russia claimed that Qin Gang could be an American insider, given his close links to the US.&nbsp;

Russia said Qin could possibly be a US spy. This claim possibly came with some “evidence” which forced Xi Jinping to take concrete action.

"Russia passed on internal information to Beijing's upper echelons that Qin was strongly suspected to be a spy for the US," Nikkei Asia quoted a top source as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-of-problems-with-finland-after-nato-membership-670665">Also read:&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of `problems` with Finland after NATO membership</a>

It was not clear what evidence was given to China by Russian intelligence. Most likely, it was about Qin's extramarital affair with a high-profile Chinese TV presenter.

According to reports by Western media, Qin had a child with the TV presenter with the help of a surrogate mother in the US.

Russia, especially, focused on this scandal as well as on the woman, who had lived in the US and the UK. Russia gave the impression that Qin Gang was corrupted by a woman who was too close to the Western countries.

<h2>Scandal exploded within the CCP</h2>

It is believed that this scandal virtually exploded within the Chinese Communist Party. The suspicion grew that Qin Gang's lover might have passed intelligence regarding domestic political issues to Washington.

After that, not only Qin Gang was removed from his post, even his whereabouts are not known till today.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Did Putin inform Xi Jinping about Qin Gang's shenanigans?

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However, it’s not rare for senior Chinese officials to have extramarital affairs, and there are not many cases where they were dismissed from top positions for such transgressions.

It must be noted that Qin Gang was really close to Xi Jinping. He was even familiar with aspects of Xi's private life.&nbsp;

So, when this scandal came out, top CCP officials couldn’t afford to retain him as China’s top diplomat. He had to be purged.

<h2>Qin Gang—Still a taboo within the CCP</h2>

According to Nikkei Asia, the Qin episode is so grave that even top CCP officials are asked to not talk about it.

They are under a strict gag order.&nbsp;

Even the internal explanation that was given to party members was vague, citing a "lifestyle-related issue."

<h2>China’s stance following Qin’s disappearance</h2>

After Qin's disappearance, China quickly returned to its pro-Moscow stance in terms of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. China also stopped publicly expressing its desire to mediate a ceasefire.

It was only after Beijing's change of heart that Putin made a visit to China in October to attend an international conference marking the 10th anniversary of Xi's highly ambitious and now embattled&nbsp;Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

This rare episode tells us a lot of things about the precarious Russia-China ties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removes-qin-gang-appoints-wang-yi-as-new-foreign-minister-in-surprise-shake-up-619269">Also read:&nbsp;China sacks 'missing' Qin Gang as foreign minister, reinstates Wang Yi in surprise shake-up</a>

Firstly, despite the glaring bonhomie visible on the surface, there are deep internal rifts in the Russia-China alliance. There is a sense of lack of credibility, lack of trust and abundance of suspicion.

Secondly, no matter how hard the West tries to project Russia as a junior partner in this alliance, it still holds the power to wipe out China's top diplomat and turn the global political tide in its favour.

(With inputs from agencies)

China had removed Qin Gang from the post of foreign minister in July this year under mysterious circumstances. Now five months later, Nikkei Asia has made this bombshell revelation: It could have been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tip lead that led Chinese President Xi Jinping to purge his foreign minister.

China had removed Qin Gang from the post of foreign minister in July this year under mysterious circumstances. Now five months later, Nikkei Asia has made this bombshell revelation: It could have been Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tip lead that led Chinese President Xi Jinping to purge his foreign minister. Nikkei Asia released this report on December 14 which says that Qin Gang might have become a victim of Russian informational warfare. According to the report, Qin Gang was driving China’s foreign policy away from Russia and in favour of Ukraine, much to Putin’s chagrin. Qin Gang’s pro-Ukraine turn It all began in May when a Chinese delegation made a visit to Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The delegation was led by Li Hui, a former Chinese ambassador to Russia. This meeting was the first indication that Beijing was changing its posture in the Russia-Ukraine war. Just after that meeting, China also let Zelensky use Chinese airspace to fly to Japan for a G7 meeting. Watch: Putin addresses ruling party conference | Accuses West of disruption across sectors × In that meeting, Zelensky lashed out at Russia and appealed to the world for more support and aid. This again, did not go down well with Russia. It was around that time when China expressed its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. All of this rattled the Kremlin, especially President Vladimir Putin, who then chose to play the gamble of his life. Putin’s gamble Russia gave a tip-off to Beijing. It was about Qin Gang. Russia claimed that Qin Gang could be an American insider, given his close links to the US. Russia said Qin could possibly be a US spy. This claim possibly came with some “evidence” which forced Xi Jinping to take concrete action. "Russia passed on internal information to Beijing's upper echelons that Qin was strongly suspected to be a spy for the US," Nikkei Asia quoted a top source as saying. Also read: Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of `problems` with Finland after NATO membership It was not clear what evidence was given to China by Russian intelligence. Most likely, it was about Qin's extramarital affair with a high-profile Chinese TV presenter. According to reports by Western media, Qin had a child with the TV presenter with the help of a surrogate mother in the US. Russia, especially, focused on this scandal as well as on the woman, who had lived in the US and the UK. Russia gave the impression that Qin Gang was corrupted by a woman who was too close to the Western countries. Scandal exploded within the CCP It is believed that this scandal virtually exploded within the Chinese Communist Party. The suspicion grew that Qin Gang's lover might have passed intelligence regarding domestic political issues to Washington. After that, not only Qin Gang was removed from his post, even his whereabouts are not known till today. Watch: Gravitas | Did Putin inform Xi Jinping about Qin Gang's shenanigans? × However, it’s not rare for senior Chinese officials to have extramarital affairs, and there are not many cases where they were dismissed from top positions for such transgressions. It must be noted that Qin Gang was really close to Xi Jinping. He was even familiar with aspects of Xi's private life. So, when this scandal came out, top CCP officials couldn’t afford to retain him as China’s top diplomat. He had to be purged. Qin Gang—Still a taboo within the CCP According to Nikkei Asia, the Qin episode is so grave that even top CCP officials are asked to not talk about it. They are under a strict gag order. Even the internal explanation that was given to party members was vague, citing a "lifestyle-related issue." China’s stance following Qin’s disappearance After Qin's disappearance, China quickly returned to its pro-Moscow stance in terms of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. China also stopped publicly expressing its desire to mediate a ceasefire. It was only after Beijing's change of heart that Putin made a visit to China in October to attend an international conference marking the 10th anniversary of Xi's highly ambitious and now embattled Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This rare episode tells us a lot of things about the precarious Russia-China ties. Also read: China sacks 'missing' Qin Gang as foreign minister, reinstates Wang Yi in surprise shake-up Firstly, despite the glaring bonhomie visible on the surface, there are deep internal rifts in the Russia-China alliance. There is a sense of lack of credibility, lack of trust and abundance of suspicion. Secondly, no matter how hard the West tries to project Russia as a junior partner in this alliance, it still holds the power to wipe out China's top diplomat and turn the global political tide in its favour. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Why Putin may have been responsible for Chinese FM Qin Gang’s disappearance

Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who was ousted from the position in July, reportedly died later that month either from suicide or torture. This shocking claim was made in a report by Politico on Wednesday (Dec 6).

Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang, who was ousted from the position in July, reportedly died later that month either from suicide or torture. This shocking claim was made in a report by Politico on Wednesday (Dec 6). Two people with access to top Chinese officials told Politico that Qin died in late July in a military hospital in Beijing that treats top Chinese leaders. Qin was replaced by veteran diplomat Wang Yi as the foreign minister. Before this, Qin served as the Chinese ambassador to the United States and was also the country's vice minister. In 2014-2018, he became China's chief protocol officer, overseeing most of President Xi Jinping's interactions with foreign dignitaries between 2014 and 2018. Barely six months after becoming the foreign minister, Qin held meetings in Beijing on June 25 with the foreign ministers of Sri Lanka and Vietnam, as well as Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, the report said. Then he disappeared. A Stalin-like purge in China? The report of Qin's alleged death comes amid murmurs that President Xi has been going all out with a Stalin-like purge in China that started in 2012, removing millions of officials. The unexplained disappearance and removal of Qin Gang and Defence Minister Li Shangfu are some of the biggest examples of this purge. The Politico report said that other high-profile victims include the generals in charge of China’s nuclear weapons programme and some of the most senior officials overseeing the country's financial sector. Several of these officials apparently died in custody, the report added. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Rudenko, who met Qin in June in Beijing, reportedly told Xi that his foreign ministers and several top officers in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had been compromised by Western intelligence. An extra-marital affair After Qin disappeared, news started emerging of his alleged affair with a journalist with whom he reportedly fathered a son, who is a US citizen by default. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported in September that Qin had this extramarital affair when he was the ambassador to the US. According to Politico, the woman was Fu Xiaotian- who worked for Chinese broadcaster Phoenix TV. The report said that Fu attended Cambridge University - a traditional recruiting ground for British intelligence agencies. Fu was a student of Churchill College at the university. She first met Qin more than 10 years ago when he was posted to the Chinese embassy in London. In 2016, Churchill College named a garden after Fu in gratitude for her very rare series of generous gifts which reportedly added up to $314,671. Before Qin disappeared, Fu reportedly named him as the father of her child. In April, she flew back to Beijing and has not been heard from since, Politico further reported. The extra-marital affair and the illegitimate child born in the US might have been the main reasons for Qin's purge, the report said. However, the sources cited by Politico said that the real reason for Qin's abrupt disappearance was involvement in a scandal which involved the defence minister and generals who commanded China's rocket force. Rudenko had reportedly told Xi that Qin and relatives of top rocket force officers helped pass China's nuclear secrets to intelligence agencies in the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Is China's ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang dead? Here's what some reports suggest

In recent months, the mysterious disappearances of several top-level Chinese officials have set off a whirlwind of speculation regarding whether Xi Jinping is orchestrating a sweeping overhaul, or weeding out the 'immoral', particularly aimed at those with military echelons.

The most recent minister to vanish into thin air is Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-defense-minister-li-shangfu-goes-missing-amid-leadership-shake-up-634990">Li Shangfu</a>, who has not made a public appearance in weeks. Prior to him was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-curious-case-of-chinas-qin-gang-missing-since-june-25-619690">Qin Gang</a>, the State Councillor.

In the wake of these developments, the Chinese People's Liberation Army cadres have been advised to exercise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pla-issues-warning-to-cadres-against-socialising-with-wrong-people-639536">caution in their social interactions</a>, as associating with inappropriate people has been cited as a primary factor behind the removal of certain leaders from their positions. A commentary published in the state-run PLA Daily by the Commission's department cites the need for Chinese military cadres to "purify their social circles."

This development aligns with the prevailing narrative that Qin's disappearance may be linked to the fraught relationship with the US. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal suggested that Qin was under investigation due to an alleged extramarital affair resulting in a child born in the US. However, is this the sole reason behind his removal?

"Souring Sino-US relations is merely an issue, and if the relations were better, Qin's 'lifestyle issues' might not have been such a significant problem. However, it ended up being a red herring for Qin. If Qin's removal was indeed related to his 'affairs,' then Xi is still firmly in control and not risk-averse," Dr Bhim Subba, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Hyderabad and Research Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies told WION.

"Furthermore, with the New Cadre Regulations passed in 2021-22, leading cadres are required to lead a morally upright life in line with the party's new virtues. Therefore, Qin is considered an amoral cadre, causing embarrassment for the senior party officials. It is more a matter of domestic party obligations than international affairs," added Dr Subba.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mystery around Qin Gang's whereabouts deepens

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Official explanations for these departures have been conspicuously scarce, with "health issues" being cited as the predominant reason. In this informational vacuum, conjecture has taken root.

The prevailing theory suggests that authorities are intensifying their campaign to root out corruption within the party.

"Unlike his predecessors, Xi is powerful. The party’s leading efforts in rectifying and self-cleansing and thereby ensure good governance (alternative to liberal democracies), has given him more power and authority to bring order in the party organisation. So increasing purges and disappearances of senior cadres are effects rather than the cause of the some of the institutional malaise which include corruption," explained Dr Subba.

Earlier reports also suggest that senior leaders purportedly reprimanded Xi at the Communist Party's annual "summer summit" in the coastal retreat of Beidaihe, Hebei province for the challenges confronting China.

"Official reprimands by 'party elders' (led by Zeng Qinghong, former PRC Vice-president under Jiang Zemin was one of Xi’s patrons), seems to be over-played. With his current power stature in the party, no one would dare to really ‘scold’ the boss. However, certain strictures on the state of domestic and foreign policy could be discussed and debated," noted Dr Subba.

These speculations collectively point to a prevailing trend within the Communist Party—namely, the pressing necessity to weed out ministers who deviate from the established code of conduct. It shows Xi’s resolve to ''rectify'' the party.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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In recent months, the mysterious disappearances of several top-level Chinese officials have set off a whirlwind of speculation regarding whether Xi Jinping is orchestrating a sweeping overhaul, or weeding out the 'immoral', particularly aimed at those with military echelons.

In recent months, the mysterious disappearances of several top-level Chinese officials have set off a whirlwind of speculation regarding whether Xi Jinping is orchestrating a sweeping overhaul, or weeding out the 'immoral', particularly aimed at those with military echelons. The most recent minister to vanish into thin air is Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who has not made a public appearance in weeks. Prior to him was Qin Gang, the State Councillor. In the wake of these developments, the Chinese People's Liberation Army cadres have been advised to exercise caution in their social interactions, as associating with inappropriate people has been cited as a primary factor behind the removal of certain leaders from their positions. A commentary published in the state-run PLA Daily by the Commission's department cites the need for Chinese military cadres to "purify their social circles." This development aligns with the prevailing narrative that Qin's disappearance may be linked to the fraught relationship with the US. A recent report by The Wall Street Journal suggested that Qin was under investigation due to an alleged extramarital affair resulting in a child born in the US. However, is this the sole reason behind his removal? "Souring Sino-US relations is merely an issue, and if the relations were better, Qin's 'lifestyle issues' might not have been such a significant problem. However, it ended up being a red herring for Qin. If Qin's removal was indeed related to his 'affairs,' then Xi is still firmly in control and not risk-averse," Dr Bhim Subba, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Hyderabad and Research Fellow at the Institute of Chinese Studies told WION. "Furthermore, with the New Cadre Regulations passed in 2021-22, leading cadres are required to lead a morally upright life in line with the party's new virtues. Therefore, Qin is considered an amoral cadre, causing embarrassment for the senior party officials. It is more a matter of domestic party obligations than international affairs," added Dr Subba. Also watch | Gravitas: Mystery around Qin Gang's whereabouts deepens Official explanations for these departures have been conspicuously scarce, with "health issues" being cited as the predominant reason. In this informational vacuum, conjecture has taken root. The prevailing theory suggests that authorities are intensifying their campaign to root out corruption within the party. "Unlike his predecessors, Xi is powerful. The party’s leading efforts in rectifying and self-cleansing and thereby ensure good governance (alternative to liberal democracies), has given him more power and authority to bring order in the party organisation. So increasing purges and disappearances of senior cadres are effects rather than the cause of the some of the institutional malaise which include corruption," explained Dr Subba. Earlier reports also suggest that senior leaders purportedly reprimanded Xi at the Communist Party's annual "summer summit" in the coastal retreat of Beidaihe, Hebei province for the challenges confronting China. "Official reprimands by 'party elders' (led by Zeng Qinghong, former PRC Vice-president under Jiang Zemin was one of Xi’s patrons), seems to be over-played. With his current power stature in the party, no one would dare to really ‘scold’ the boss. However, certain strictures on the state of domestic and foreign policy could be discussed and debated," noted Dr Subba. These speculations collectively point to a prevailing trend within the Communist Party—namely, the pressing necessity to weed out ministers who deviate from the established code of conduct. It shows Xi’s resolve to ''rectify'' the party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

No 'bad men' in Xi's rule? Decoding the mystery of China's disappearing ministers

Days after assuming charge as the Foreign Minister of China, top diplomat Wang Yi pledged to “resolutely guard” Chinese sovereignty and security.

These were Wang Yi’s first remarks on Friday (July 28) after he was brought back to his old job following the mysterious disappearance and sacking of his predecessor Qin Gang — a close aide of President Xi Jinping who hasn’t been seen in public since June.

“We will unite more closely around the Communist Party’s Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core,” the 69-year-old said in a message, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP).

<h2>Wang Yi reinstated&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, Wang Yi was promoted to foreign affairs chief of&nbsp;China’s ruling Communist Party, making him the country’s No 1 diplomat. He served as the foreign minister for nearly a decade before being succeeded by Qin in December.

In Qin’s unannounced absence, Wang has been filling his shoes before the formal announcement was made.

China would “firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace” and actively take part in the reform of global governance, Wang said in his statement, while pledging to expand partnerships with countries around the world.

“[China will] resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests” and “fully protect” the rights of Chinese citizens, he said.

<h2>No word on Qin Gang</h2>

So, far no official explanation has been given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the sudden shake-up, nor any reports have emerged about Qin’s whereabouts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removes-qin-gang-appoints-wang-yi-as-new-foreign-minister-in-surprise-shake-up-619269">China sacks 'missing' Qin Gang as foreign minister, reinstates Wang Yi in surprise shake-up</a>

In July, the foreign ministry had attributed his absence in early July to unspecified “health reasons” but subsequently said it had “no information” on the matter.

After Qin’s abrupt dismissal, records of his public engagements were reportedly swiftly taken down from the foreign ministry’s website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwib2oyt8KmAAxVLZvUHHQ3jCWYQxfQBKAB6BAgUEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-qin-gang-chinese-foreign-minister-was-last-seen-over-three-weeks-ago-616546" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-qin-gang-chinese-foreign-minister-was-last-seen-over-three-weeks-ago-616546&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib2oyt8KmAAxVLZvUHHQ3jCWYQxfQBKAB6BAgUEAE">Where is Qin Gang? Chinese foreign minister was last seen over three weeks ago</a>

Information on his meetings with foreign officials reappeared on the website on Friday, including his last recorded engagements on June 25 – when he met diplomats from Russia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. As of Friday afternoon, Qin’s name was still missing from the list of previous foreign ministers.

But experts believe that the move to reinstate Wang was typical of “Beijing’s playbook” – to entrust members of its top decision-making body, the Politburo, to steer the party through a political crisis, the SCMP reported.

Wang’s reappointment makes him one of China’s most powerful foreign ministers in decades and the first Politburo member since Qian Qichen to hold the position.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Days after assuming charge as the Foreign Minister of China, top diplomat Wang Yi pledged to “resolutely guard” Chinese sovereignty and security. These were Wang Yi’s first remarks on Friday (July 28) after he was brought back to his old job following the mysterious disappearance and sacking of his predecessor Qin Gang — a close aide of President Xi Jinping who hasn’t been seen in public since June.

Days after assuming charge as the Foreign Minister of China, top diplomat Wang Yi pledged to “resolutely guard” Chinese sovereignty and security. These were Wang Yi’s first remarks on Friday (July 28) after he was brought back to his old job following the mysterious disappearance and sacking of his predecessor Qin Gang — a close aide of President Xi Jinping who hasn’t been seen in public since June. “We will unite more closely around the Communist Party’s Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core,” the 69-year-old said in a message, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP). Wang Yi reinstated Last year, Wang Yi was promoted to foreign affairs chief of China’s ruling Communist Party, making him the country’s No 1 diplomat. He served as the foreign minister for nearly a decade before being succeeded by Qin in December. In Qin’s unannounced absence, Wang has been filling his shoes before the formal announcement was made. China would “firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace” and actively take part in the reform of global governance, Wang said in his statement, while pledging to expand partnerships with countries around the world. “[China will] resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests” and “fully protect” the rights of Chinese citizens, he said. No word on Qin Gang So, far no official explanation has been given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the sudden shake-up, nor any reports have emerged about Qin’s whereabouts. Also read | China sacks 'missing' Qin Gang as foreign minister, reinstates Wang Yi in surprise shake-up In July, the foreign ministry had attributed his absence in early July to unspecified “health reasons” but subsequently said it had “no information” on the matter. After Qin’s abrupt dismissal, records of his public engagements were reportedly swiftly taken down from the foreign ministry’s website. Also read | Where is Qin Gang? Chinese foreign minister was last seen over three weeks ago Information on his meetings with foreign officials reappeared on the website on Friday, including his last recorded engagements on June 25 – when he met diplomats from Russia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. As of Friday afternoon, Qin’s name was still missing from the list of previous foreign ministers. But experts believe that the move to reinstate Wang was typical of “Beijing’s playbook” – to entrust members of its top decision-making body, the Politburo, to steer the party through a political crisis, the SCMP reported. Wang’s reappointment makes him one of China’s most powerful foreign ministers in decades and the first Politburo member since Qian Qichen to hold the position. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In first remarks post abrupt Chinese foreign ministry shake-up Wang Yi pledges to ‘defend sovereignty’

Reference to China's dismissed foreign minister Qin Gang, who has not been seen in public for weeks, had been removed from the website of China's foreign ministry by July 26. But now, the references to him have&nbsp; started to reappear.&nbsp;

There's a global buzz over Qin's absence as China China is notoriously famous for the sudden disappearances of notable figures.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China on Thursday slammed "malicious hype" around Qin's removal from the post. Beijing continued to avoid questions about the senior diplomat's disappearance.&nbsp;

On being asked about the same, spokeswoman Mao Ning insisted China has released information about recent personnel changes "in a timely manner".

She added, "We consistently oppose malicious hype of this matter."&nbsp;

Explained: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-curious-case-of-chinas-qin-gang-missing-since-june-25-619690">The curious case of China's Qin Gang - missing since June 25</a>&nbsp;

Mao said on Thursday: What I can tell you is that China's diplomatic work has always been carried out under the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee."&nbsp;

Recently, Qin has been scrubbed from the foreign ministry's website, with searches for his name yielding no results. Previous articles about his diplomatic appearances showed a message saying the page "does not exist or has been deleted".&nbsp;

Mao said that "the foreign ministry website will be updated in a timely manner in accordance with relevant management regulations," and she also added that "please have a look after the website is updated, OK?"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-from-games-in-china-over-stapled-visa-controversy-620206">India withdraws from games in China over stapled visa controversy</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Qin Gang missing since June 25&nbsp;</h2>

China has not given any explanation for Qin's dismissal and rather remained a bit secretive besides even installing&nbsp;veteran diplomat Wang Yi on his previous post of foreign minister.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Qin was removed from office by Beijing's highest legislative body after only 207 days in the role.&nbsp;

He has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing, but China remained silent for weeks about the fate of Qin.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment and Chinese state media did not say why he was removed.&nbsp;

State news agency Xinhua reported that President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to make the decision effective.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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The 57-year-old Qin was a former aide to President Xi Jinping. He was also an envoy to the United States.&nbsp;

He took over the foreign ministry in December. There have been speculations that Qin might have fallen out of favour.&nbsp;

China analyst Bill Bishop wrote in his Sinocism newsletter, "If he were a comrade in good standing who had fallen ill I am not sure that would be happening."&nbsp;

Neil Thomas, who is a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a US think tank, agreed. "Evidence is emerging suggesting this is indeed a political purge," Thomas said on Twitter, which is now rebranded as X.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Reference to China's dismissed foreign minister Qin Gang, who has not been seen in public for weeks, had been removed from the website of China's foreign ministry by July 26.

Reference to China's dismissed foreign minister Qin Gang, who has not been seen in public for weeks, had been removed from the website of China's foreign ministry by July 26. But now, the references to him have started to reappear. There's a global buzz over Qin's absence as China China is notoriously famous for the sudden disappearances of notable figures. Meanwhile, China on Thursday slammed "malicious hype" around Qin's removal from the post. Beijing continued to avoid questions about the senior diplomat's disappearance. On being asked about the same, spokeswoman Mao Ning insisted China has released information about recent personnel changes "in a timely manner". She added, "We consistently oppose malicious hype of this matter." Explained: The curious case of China's Qin Gang - missing since June 25 Mao said on Thursday: What I can tell you is that China's diplomatic work has always been carried out under the centralised and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee." Recently, Qin has been scrubbed from the foreign ministry's website, with searches for his name yielding no results. Previous articles about his diplomatic appearances showed a message saying the page "does not exist or has been deleted". Mao said that "the foreign ministry website will be updated in a timely manner in accordance with relevant management regulations," and she also added that "please have a look after the website is updated, OK?" Also read: India withdraws from games in China over stapled visa controversy Qin Gang missing since June 25 China has not given any explanation for Qin's dismissal and rather remained a bit secretive besides even installing veteran diplomat Wang Yi on his previous post of foreign minister. Earlier this week, Qin was removed from office by Beijing's highest legislative body after only 207 days in the role. He has not been seen in public since June 25 when he met Russia's deputy foreign minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing, but China remained silent for weeks about the fate of Qin. China's foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment and Chinese state media did not say why he was removed. State news agency Xinhua reported that President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to make the decision effective. Watch this report: × The 57-year-old Qin was a former aide to President Xi Jinping. He was also an envoy to the United States. He took over the foreign ministry in December. There have been speculations that Qin might have fallen out of favour. China analyst Bill Bishop wrote in his Sinocism newsletter, "If he were a comrade in good standing who had fallen ill I am not sure that would be happening." Neil Thomas, who is a fellow on Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a US think tank, agreed. "Evidence is emerging suggesting this is indeed a political purge," Thomas said on Twitter, which is now rebranded as X. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Missing or not missing? Qin Gang's references reappear on Chinese foreign ministry site

On Thursday, China said it opposed malicious hype concerning this week's removal of foreign minister Qin Gang. Beijing continues to avoid questions about the senior diplomat's disappearance. The mystery is deepening, and some articles removed from the foreign ministry website have reappeared. Qin was removed from office by Beijing's top lawmaking body on Tuesday after just 207 days in the job. The removal came after weeks of speculation that the former ambassador to US and confidant of president Xi Jinping had fallen out of favour.

Qin Gang out of favour with Chinese President Xi Jinping? | World News | WION

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