The abrupt removal of China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, has raised questions about the implications for China’s diplomacy.

Despite his “wolf warrior” reputation, Qin demonstrated a softer approach during his time as ambassador to the US, engaging in sports and advocating for a nuanced relationship between the superpowers.

His appointment as foreign minister was perceived as a move to present a more moderate image of China, but he had limited influence on actual foreign policy decisions.

The ultimate authority rested with Wang Yi, who held the top diplomatic position in China’s party-centric hierarchy as the head of the Communist Party’s foreign affairs commission.

With Wang Yi assuming the role of foreign minister, China aims to signal continuity and reassure the global community that it is business as usual.

International charm offensive

Wang is known for orchestrating international charm offensives and is expected to focus on repairing US-China relations, especially in light of a possible visit by President Xi to the US. However, doubts persist about Wang’s long-term tenure, with many considering him a temporary replacement while Xi searches for someone to ease his workload.

The sudden removal of Qin Gang without explanation has sent a troubling message and raised questions about Xi’s judgment. It has implications for the Chinese Communist Party’s image both abroad and internally, as it highlights leadership instability, possible policy disagreements, and a lack of transparency in high-level official promotions.

Reappointing Wang Yi to signal continuity has been seen as nonsensical, as it reminds foreign partners that Chinese officials can vanish without warning, and their contributions become nullified.

The episode also underscores the distance between the Chinese diplomats often interacted with by foreign governments and companies and the true centers of power in China.

It serves as a reminder that Xi Jinping remains the decisive actor in Beijing. While Qin Gang’s downfall may not significantly impact foreign relations, it has left China with a red face, as it struggles to manage the fallout and maintain a confident image on the global stage.