China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang Ousted from Post

Less than seven months after his appointment as foreign minister, Qin Gang has been removed from his post by China.

The decision comes amidst widespread speculation surrounding his prolonged disappearance from public view, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remaining conspicuously silent on the matter.

The 57-year-old diplomat’s last public engagements were noted on 25th June, further adding to the mystery surrounding his absence.

Qin Gang was initially appointed to the position in December, and his appointment was seen as a reflection of his close association with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who trusted him as a loyal aide.

The Communist Party has announced that Wang Yi, the foreign affairs chief and former foreign minister, will take over the role.

The fourth meeting of the Standing Committee of the Fourteenth National People’s Congress which held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 25th July, decided to remove Qin Gang as foreign minister, appoint Wang Yi as foreign minister, remove Yi Gang as governor of the People’s Bank of China, and appoint Pan Gongsheng as governor of the People’s Bank of China.