A Mysterious One-Month Absence Cost 'Qin Gang' His Position; China's Foreign Minister Dismissed

'Qin Gang' was replaced by 'Wang Yi' just six months after taking office as China's Foreign Minister due to a mysterious one-month absence. Chinese state media announced on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, that this order was executed by the directive and signature of Xi Jinping, the President. 'Qin Gang', 57, a former advisor to Xi Jinping, assumed the role of Foreign Minister last December but was not seen in public after July 4. Speculations regarding the reason for this absence cite personal issues or political rivalries, but no clear explanation has been provided by Beijing officials for Mr. Qin's removal. According to Reuters, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that he stepped down 'for medical reasons,' but did not provide further details. 'Wang Yi', 69, who previously held the position from 2013 to 2021, has taken over. During those years, relations between China and the U.S., its rival superpower, reached what Beijing described as 'the lowest level in the history of the two countries' relations.' Wang also filled in for Qin during his one-month absence, representing China at the BRICS National Security Advisors meeting in Johannesburg. This is not the first time unexplained absences of officials have occurred in China. Xiao Yaqing, the Minister of Industry, also disappeared from public view for nearly a month last year, only to be revealed later that he was under investigation for corruption.