Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post and replaced by Central Foreign Affairs Commission chief Wang Yi. After Chinese President Xi Jinping, Wang now holds China's two senior most foreign policy positions. He will represent both the Chinese nation and the Chinese Communist…
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post and replaced by Central Foreign Affairs Commission chief Wang Yi. After Chinese President Xi Jinping, Wang now holds China's two senior most foreign policy positions. He will represent both the Chinese nation and the Chinese Communist Party.
On paper, Xi has thus restored order to his foreign policy over Qin's disappearance. Qin, who was China's ambassador to the United States prior to becoming foreign minister, has not been seen in public since June 25. Beijing has evasively refused to explain the reason for Qin's disappearance and subsequent removal from office.In contrast, Wang is a trusted confidante of Xi. Wang is also well known to his foreign counterparts around the world.
Consider, after all, that most nations select their ranking foreign minister on the basis of three factors: the ability to explain and defend their nation's foreign policy, the ability to earn foreign support for their nation's agenda, and their possession of a modicum of charisma. Wang certainly accomplishes the first task, well regarded by Xi for his forceful defense of China's expansive foreign policy agenda.
It's also worth noting that Wang's formative experience in the Chinese foreign ministry is that of a Japan and Taiwan specialist. In turn, because of China's painful history with Japan and its deep ideological sensitivity over Taiwan, Wang's diplomatic impulse is towards hawkish intractability. Numerous diplomats from various nations have told me that Wang is a maestro of Beijing's penchant of listing off grievances during diplomatic meetings.
Wang? Not so much. Time will tell if Xi's appointment is the safe looking but ultimately self-defeating bet.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wang Yi back as China's foreign minister after Qin Gang's abrupt exitState media says Qin was 'removed from the post of foreign' minister and that President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to enact the decision.
Read more »
China removes outspoken foreign minister Qin Gang and replaces him with his predecessor, Wang YiChina on Tuesday removed outspoken Foreign Minister Qin Gang from office and replaced him with his predecessor, Wang Yi, in a move that has already fueled rumors over the personal lives and political rivalries of China’s Communist Party elite.
Read more »
A familiar face for the US as China's Wang returns as foreign ministerChina's decision to reappoint its top diplomat Wang Yi as foreign minister one month after former rising star Qin Gang disappeared from public view means Washington will be dealing with a familiar face in its bid to steady relations with its main strategic rival.
Read more »
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang Suddenly Replaced by PredecessorChina’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang was officially replaced by his predecessor on Tuesday after weeks of speculation about Gang’s whereabouts.
Read more »
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang ousted after lengthy absenceChina’s government removed Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday following the former U.S. ambassador’s mysterious disappearance from public view last month, state media reported.
Read more »