Former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s New Role Revealed

Exclusive reporting by reporter Zhang Ruixin/Extensive Reporting

Qin Gang, China’s former foreign minister, suddenly disappeared from public view last year and was dismissed from his post in July. According to a report by the US “Washington Post”, Qin Gang has been appointed to a low-level position at a publishing company overseen by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicating that his political career is over.

Qin Gang’s New Position at World Knowledge Publishing

The Washington Post cited two former US officials as saying that Qin Gang, 58, had been appointed to a low-level position at World Knowledge Publishing. Located in the center of Beijing, the publishing house mainly publishes memoirs of Chinese diplomats and works by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China.

Qin Gang’s Rise and Fall in Chinese Politics

Qin Gang’s official career was smooth for a time as he served as China’s ambassador to the United States in 2021 and was promoted to China’s foreign minister in 2022. However, he suddenly disappeared from public view from June 2023 and was sacked from his post as foreign minister in July, sparking speculation from the outside world and even rumors that he was being punished for an extramarital affair.

Experts Weigh in on Qin Gang’s Demotion

Experts point out that Qin Gang’s rapid promotion caused resentment among his colleagues and that the promotion was a punishment for him and a warning to other officials. Such retrenchment measures are not unusual in the era of Xi Jinping.

Qin Gang’s Future in Chinese Politics

Although Qin Gang was once regarded as a rising star in Chinese politics, the move suggests he may not have a chance to make a comeback in his political career.