Chin removed its outspoken foreign minister Qin Gang from office on Tuesday and replaced him with his predecessor Wang Yi. China's top legislature convened a session to review a draft criminal law amendment and a decision on official appointment and removal. The move comes amid a foreign backlash against China's increasingly aggressive foreign policy, of which Qin was a chief proponent.
Qin Gan's removal comes almost a month after he dropped out of sight amid speculation over his personal affairs and political rivalries. However, the state media has not given any comprehensive reason behind the government's latest decision.
The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. He was appointed to his post last December and was seen as a trusted aide of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The ministry has provided no information about Qin's status in keeping with the ruling Communist Party's standard approach to personnel matters within a highly opaque political system where the media and free speech are severely restricted.
The ministry made no comment at its daily briefing on Tuesday.
