In this conversation, Matt Brazil, a Senior China analyst at BluePath Labs and expert on Chinese politics, delves into the sudden removal of Qin Gang as China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He discusses the intriguing connections between journalists and elite university access, and how these relationships intertwine with political power. The chat also touches on the role of the Ministry of State Security and its implications for diplomacy. Brazil sheds light on historical patterns within the CCP and highlights the intricacies of China's opaque political landscape.
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Rumors of Affair and Lavish Lifestyle
Fu Xiaotian's social media posts hinted at a relationship with Qin Gang and a child.
She showed off a lavish lifestyle, including a California home and private jet.
insights INSIGHT
Source of Qin Gang's Wealth
The source of Qin Gang's wealth, like that of other Chinese elites, remains unclear.
This raises questions about potential corruption within the CCP.
insights INSIGHT
Qin Gang, MSS, and Xi Jinping
Qin Gang's rapid promotion by Xi Jinping, coupled with his MSS background, may indicate an elevation of state security's power.
This could be related to increased intelligence gathering and technology acquisition.
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This book provides an in-depth look at the history and current state of Chinese Communist intelligence operations, using hundreds of Chinese sources to profile key leaders, spies, and operations. It explores the evolution of China's espionage apparatus and its influence both domestically and internationally. The authors offer insights into the organizational structure and methods of Chinese intelligence services, highlighting their strategic importance and impact on global affairs.
Until yesterday, Qin Gang 秦刚 was serving as China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. But on Monday, July 24, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee announced an emergency meeting for the next day, July 25, during which Qin was “removed” 免职 (albeit not “dismissed” 撤职) from his position as China’s #2 diplomat.
Precisely what we know and don’t know about l’affaire Qin;
How journalist Fu Xiaotian 傅晓田 is wrapped up in all of this — and how those with CCP connections somehow end up with private jets and buy-ins to elite universities;
Qin’s possible connections to the Ministry of State Security — and why that might rub his subordinates the wrong way;
How the CCP has dispensed with previous political elites, and whether Qin’s treatment resembles theirs; and
Why it is that sometimes even the heads of CCP security don’t even know what’s going on!
ChinaTalk 