Xi Jinping’s Foreign Minister , Is Replaced After Missing for a Month.
Qin Gang, who was previously China's ambassador to the U.S., was appointed as foreign minister in December.
But he hasn't been seen in public for the past month, CNN reports.
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On July 25, Qin's predecessor, Wang Yi, reclaimed the role of foreign minister.
He previously served in the position from 2013 to 2022.
The last time Qin was seen in public was on June 25 in Beijing during a meeting with diplomats from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia, CNN reports.
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He was reportedly seen smiling, walking alongside Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
China has yet to explain Qin's disappearance and has merely referenced "health reasons.".
Qin's ousting is of great intrigue, considering his close ties with Xi Jinping, who was responsible for Qin's appointment as foreign minister over more seasoned candidates.
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Qin's ousting is of great intrigue, considering his close ties with Xi Jinping, who was responsible for Qin's appointment as foreign minister over more seasoned candidates.
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Qin Gang was single-handedly pulled up the ranks by Xi.
Any problems with him will reflect badly on Xi too – implying that Xi failed to choose the right person for the job, Deng Yuwen, a former editor of a Communist Party newspaper, via CNN.
If anything unusual happened to a senior official, people will wonder if their relations with the top leader have soured or whether it is a sign of political instability, Deng Yuwen, a former editor of a Communist Party newspaper, via CNN
