China has removed Qin Gang as its foreign minister, less than seven months after he was appointed.
Wang Yi, a former foreign minister and current head of the Communist Party’s foreign policy, will fill the position.
Furious rumors have been stoked by Mr. Qin’s extended disappearance from public view and his ministry’s silence on the matter.
The 57-year-old’s most recent public appearances were on June 25.
Mr. Qin, who was appointed to his position in December of last year, was regarded as Xi Jinping’s trusted aide in China.
“China’s top legislature voted to appoint Wang Yi as foreign minister,” state news agency Xinhua said.
“Qin Gang was removed from the post of foreign minister.”
Mr. Qin’s removal was not explained, but the report said President Xi had signed the decree approving the change.
Source-BBC
