Ling Ling Wei, the Chief China Correspondent, investigates the mysterious disappearance of China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang. She discusses his rise in politics and critical role under Xi Jinping. The conversation highlights a chaotic meeting that shaped his career and explores his last public appearances, stirring speculation about corruption and political implications. Wei also reflects on her personal experiences with Qin, shedding light on his ambitious nature and the tumultuous diplomatic challenges he faced.
Qin Gang's sudden disappearance from public view after a rapid political ascent highlights the opaque nature of Chinese politics and internal power dynamics.
Speculation surrounding Qin's absence suggests potential personal misconduct linked to an affair that may have threatened national security.
Deep dives
The Disappearance of a Political Star
Qin Gang, China's former foreign minister, vanished from public view after June 25, 2022, sparking widespread speculation regarding his abrupt disappearance. Initially active in fulfilling his duties, including meeting foreign ministers from Sri Lanka and Vietnam, Qin suddenly stopped appearing in state media and skipped significant international meetings. This absence raised questions on social media and prompted foreign journalists to seek clarification from China's foreign ministry, which provided no substantial answers regarding his situation. The stark contrast between Qin's previous prominence and his sudden absence highlighted concerns about internal political dynamics and possible repercussions within the Chinese government.
Rise to Power Under Xi Jinping
Qin Gang's political ascent came with his close association with Xi Jinping, who placed him in key positions within the government. Starting as a low-level worker, Qin's career advanced rapidly after he became Xi's chief of protocol in 2014, positioning him to gain the leader's trust. Despite a lack of U.S. experience, Xi appointed him as China's ambassador to the U.S. in 2021, and later promoted him to foreign minister. This swift rise deviated from conventional expectations within the Chinese political system, underscoring Xi's concentrated power in making personnel decisions.
Corruption Allegations and Health Issues
Following Qin's disappearance, official explanations cited 'health reasons' as the cause, a phrase often associated with political figures facing difficulties in China. Reports later emerged indicating that Qin was under investigation for 'lifestyle issues,' a euphemism typically linked to personal misconduct, including possible sexual misconduct. Further investigation suggested that his alleged affair could have jeopardized national security due to the identity of the involved individual, Fu Xiaotian, who was also associated with prominent political connections. The lack of transparency surrounding the investigation and the opaque nature of Chinese politics complicated the understanding of Qin's situation and the broader implications of his downfall.
Last year, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, suddenly disappeared. Qin was a rising star in Chinese politics and a protegé of China’s strongman leader, Xi Jinping. In the first episode of our three-part investigation, we chart Qin’s rise and begin to untangle the mystery of his disappearance. This series was originally published in October.
Further Listening: - Episode 2: The Affair - Apple | Spotify - Episode 3: The Downfall - Apple | Spotify