Editorial | Wang Yi’s return as China’s foreign minister is a signal of continuity
- There is bound to be speculation about why Qin Gang was ousted just seven months into the job but his replacement, who held the post for nearly 10 years, is well respected around the world and brings stability during uncertain times
The replacement of Qin Gang by his predecessor Wang Yi as foreign minister may do little to stop the speculation over one of China’s most high-profile political dramas in recent years. But it does help restore stability and enables the country to push ahead with a heavily loaded diplomatic agenda.
This is especially important as the international environment becomes increasingly volatile.
The announcement has ended a month-long guessing game over Qin’s absence from official duties. He was last seen in public during a meeting of senior diplomats from Russia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka on June 25.
The official silence over his prolonged disappearance until Tuesday has inevitably fuelled speculation inside and outside diplomatic circles.
02:49
Big political questions linger after China abruptly replaces its foreign minister
The foreign ministry has a packed calendar ahead. It could not afford to have the top post vacant for too long.
The terse statement about the change gave no reason why Qin was ousted just seven months after his appointment. It is also intriguing that Qin’s status as a state councillor, same as the level of a vice-premier, remains intact for now.
