According to Chinese media, Qin Gang’s resignation was voted on by the highest decision-making body of China’s parliament. The minister has not appeared in public for a month. His last public appearance was on June 25 when he met with officials from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Russia in Beijing. The disappearance has long fueled speculation about Qin Gang’s future.
Qin Gang was close to Chinese President Xi Jinping and had been foreign minister since December last year. Before that, he was ambassador to the United States for a short period. Why Qin Gang has now been removed from office has not been disclosed. He is now succeeded by his predecessor Wang Yi.
(Re)see also: Xi Jinping begins third term in China (10-03-2023)