HOT: China dismisses Foreign Minister Qin Gang

Mr. Qin Gang has not appeared in public for exactly a month. His last appearance was on June 25, when he received Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing.

According to a CCTV news brief, Mr. Wang Yi - China's top diplomat with the position of Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China - is the country's new foreign minister.

The news report did not specify the reason for Mr. Tan's dismissal.

Mr. Tan Cuong. Photo: Reuters

The decision to dismiss Mr. Qin was made at a special session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China on July 25. This session took place just one day after the Chinese Politburo met to discuss many economic and social issues.

Previously, Xinhua News Agency reported that the meeting on July 25 would "review the draft amendment to the criminal law and decide on the appointment and dismissal of officials."

According to the South China Morning Post, Mr. Qin's dismissal was carried out under the Organic Law of the National People's Congress , which took effect in March 2021. This law allows the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to appoint or dismiss members of the State Council (government) of China without waiting for a national session.

Mr. Qin was appointed as China's Foreign Minister in December 2022. Since his appointment as China's Foreign Minister, Mr. Qin has been busy with visits to Africa, Europe and Central Asia as well as receiving foreign officials in Beijing.

Qin Gang's absence from the ASEAN summit in Indonesia two weeks after meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has drawn much attention. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Qin was unable to attend the ASEAN summit due to "health reasons." Wang Yi represented China at the summit.

Mr. Qin Gang, 57 years old, rose rapidly in the diplomatic service, serving as spokesman and then deputy foreign minister.

He worked for several years at the Chinese Embassy in London, England, so he speaks fluent English. He became ambassador to the US in July 2021 and was promoted to foreign minister 17 months later. In March this year, he became a State Councilor, a position higher than a government minister.

Beijing affirmed on July 24 that "China's diplomatic activities are still taking place normally."

Hai Ngoc

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/nong-trung-quoc-mien-nhiem-bo-truong-ngoai-giao-tan-cuong-20230725181628903.htm