China’s former foreign minister, Qin Gang, who mysteriously disappeared from public view last June, has reportedly resigned from the national legislature, state media reported on Tuesday.
Disappearance from Public Life
Last July, Qin was unexpectedly dismissed as foreign minister, marking a significant political development in China. The 57-year-old, who served for only seven months in his role, vanished from public sight in June, with the government later announcing his removal from office a month later. Despite widespread speculation, Qin has yet to reappear publicly, leading to questions about his whereabouts and political standing.
In the latest development, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee disclosed that the Tianjin Municipal People’s Congress had accepted Qin’s resignation as a delegate to the upcoming annual parliamentary session. Official websites no longer list Qin as a member of the State Council, China’s Cabinet. Still, there has been no official indication of whether he has been excluded from the ruling Communist Party.
JUST IN: Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang’s “resignation” as a deputy of the National People’s Congress (top legislature) has been accepted by the Tianjin People’s Congress. The word used in the report is “辞去”. Many questions about his disappearance still unanswered pic.twitter.com/eX7M4H7KSu
— Olivia Siong (@OliviaSiongCNA) February 27, 2024
Other High-Profile Disappearances
Qin’s disappearance coincided with a series of high-profile dismissals within the Chinese Communist Party, including former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and other top military officials. The ousters of Qin and Li are believed to be part of a broader effort to strengthen security measures amid China’s escalating competition with the US and its allies.
While the exact reasons for Qin’s dismissal remain unclear, speculation arose following a report by The Wall Street Journal in September. Citing individuals familiar with a briefing, the report suggested that Qin was removed due to an extramarital affair he had during his previous role as ambassador to the US. The investigation was reportedly centred on whether his conduct compromised China’s national security.
Qin’s resignation from the national legislature has added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing political dynamics within Chinese leadership.