Mystery Around China’s Former Minister Intensifies as Erased Name Reappears

The Chinese regime’s decision to reinstate information about Qin Gang, the former foreign minister, on the foreign ministry’s website has intensified the mysteries surrounding the senior diplomat. This move comes a month after Mr. Qin’s unexplained disappearance from public view, followed by the sudden removal of all mentions of him on July 26.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has provided no explanations for the removal of Mr. Qin from the website, leaving outside observers puzzled and sparking speculation about his fate. The authorities have remained tight-lipped, declining to offer any details about his sudden exit.

Beijing-based reporters have sought answers about Mr. Qin’s disappearance, but their inquiries have been met with silence. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated that the website was being updated according to relevant regulations, without elaborating further.

The disappearance of Mr. Qin’s records made headlines in the West, prompting all references to his activities to reappear on the ministry’s website on July 28. However, searches for Mr. Qin’s name on the website still yielded no results, with his most recent position listed as vice minister.

Political experts and analysts have offered various theories regarding Mr. Qin’s vanishing act. While the official explanation cited “health reasons,” some Hong Kong and Taiwan media reports suggested the possibility of an extramarital affair. However, political analysts dismissed this speculation and instead pointed to potential political missteps and power struggles, particularly Mr. Wang Yi’s dissatisfaction with Mr. Qin’s work.

Despite Mr. Qin’s sudden departure, experts believe that it is unlikely to significantly impact China’s foreign policy. Foreign ministers in China are considered career civil servants who carry out decisions made by the party.

Currently, Mr. Qin retains his role as a councilor to the State Council, but analysts are uncertain about his political future. The return of Wang Yi, who has been serving as the director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party of Central Committee, is seen as a transitional arrangement. Mr. Wang, in his first message since returning to the minister’s post, pledged to “resolutely safeguard the sovereignty, security, development, and interests” of the Chinese regime.

Observers note that Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, has suffered several embarrassing public setbacks, calling into question his judgment as he now rules at the top of the party.

The mysteries surrounding Mr. Qin’s disappearance continues to raise eyebrows both domestically and internationally, and many await further developments to shed light on the situation.

-With the help of The Epoch Times