Beijing - China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, has disappeared from the public eye after his last appearance approximately three weeks ago on June 25. This absence is notable as it is the first time a senior Chinese government minister has been missing for over 20 days without explanation. Qin Gang holds significant positions as both China's foreign minister and state councillor, making his disappearance a subject of speculation regarding potential changes in the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Notably, Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat have strictly censored any discussions or information related to Qin Gang's situation. Despite this, rumors and curiosity persist within China and the Chinese diaspora globally.
During his last appearance, Qin Gang met with his Sri Lankan counterpart in Beijing. However, subsequent to that, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced that Qin Gang would not attend an ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Indonesia, citing "health reasons." When questioned about his return, Wang Wenbin remained silent for 16 seconds before moving on without addressing the query. The official transcript of the press conference did not include any mention of Qin Gang's health status.
His absence might also impact the appointment of a new Australian ambassador to China, as he was expected to visit Australia for a diplomatic dialogue later in the month. The Chinese embassy in Australia has not provided any response or clarification on the matter.
Given Qin Gang's close relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his disappearance has sparked curiosity and concern about potential implications for the Chinese government and the CCP's leadership. For now, the reasons behind Qin Gang's absence remain a mystery, and both China and the international community await further information on his situation.
On Tuesday, China made an official announcement regarding the appointment of Wang Yi as its new foreign minister, taking over the position previously held by Qin Gang. Qin Gang had been absent from his duties for a one-month period before stepping down from the role. The decision to appoint Wang Yi to this important position was confirmed during a session convened by China's top legislative body.
As Wang Yi assumes his new position, he will likely face a range of diplomatic challenges and opportunities. China's foreign policy under his leadership will be closely watched, and the international community will be eager to discern any potential shifts or continuities in China's approach to global affairs. The bilateral and multilateral relationships that Wang Yi nurtures and fosters will have a significant impact on China's standing in the world and its engagement in key global issues such as trade, security, and climate change.