China’s former FM resigns from position in legislature amid controversy

China’s former Foreign Minister Qin Gang has resigned from the national parliament after being out of the public eye since last June, according to state media reports

China’s former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who has been absent from the public eye since last June, has stepped down from the national parliament, as per state media reports on Tuesday.

Qin was removed from his position as foreign minister in July, in a surprising move within China’s political sphere.

The 57-year-old held the role for just seven months before disappearing from public view in June. The government announced a month later that he had been relieved of his duties. He has not been seen in public since.

Qin was succeeded as foreign minister by his predecessor, Wang Yi.

As per an announcement by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the Tianjin Municipal People’s Congress has accepted Qin’s resignation as a delegate for the upcoming annual parliamentary session.

Official websites no longer list Qin as a member of the State Council, China’s Cabinet, but there has been no mention of his status within the ruling Communist Party.

His disappearance coincided with a series of dismissals at the highest levels of the party, including former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and other top military figures.

Instances of overt political discord are rare in China, especially since President Xi Jinping consolidated his control over the country’s politics, in part through an anti-corruption campaign that removed many of his perceived opponents.

Qin’s and Li’s removals are believed to be part of a broader effort to address security concerns amid China’s growing rivalry with the U.S. and its allies.

The National People’s Congress, China’s legislative body, is set to hold its annual session in early March and is expected to focus on the country’s struggling economy.

China’s economy grew by 5.2% last year but is projected to slow significantly this year, hindered by a property crisis, high youth unemployment, and substantial local government debt.

The Wall Street Journal reported in September, citing sources familiar with a briefing, that Qin was ousted due to an extramarital affair he had while serving as ambassador to the U.S. An investigation was reportedly looking into whether his actions had compromised China’s national security.

Source: AP