China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang, once a prominent figure in Beijing's aggressive diplomatic strategy known as "wolf warrior" diplomacy, has reportedly been demoted to a low-level position at a state-affiliated publishing house, marking a dramatic fall from power. This demotion, which comes after a mysterious disappearance from public view in the summer of 2023, effectively ends his political career, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Qin, 58, who was considered one of China's most influential policymakers, has been relegated to a position at World Affairs Press, a publishing company associated with China's foreign ministry, according to a report by The Washington Post. The demotion follows his abrupt removal from his role as foreign minister after only 207 days in office-a tenure that saw him rise rapidly through the ranks to become one of the youngest foreign ministers in China since the 1950s.
The exact reasons for Qin's sudden fall remain shrouded in mystery. Rumors have circulated about possible imprisonment, suicide, and an extramarital affair with Fu Xiaotian, a well-known Chinese television host. Some reports, including one from The Wall Street Journal, suggest that Qin's alleged affair, which reportedly occurred during his tenure as China's ambassador to the United States, raised significant security concerns within the Chinese Communist Party. The affair was also rumored to have resulted in the birth of a child through surrogacy in the U.S., further complicating the situation.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Washington Post that Qin's demotion is likely intended as a warning to others within China's political elite. "He's not going to jail, but his career is over," one official commented, describing the situation as a "fall from grace." Another official suggested that the demotion serves as a clear signal from President Xi Jinping's administration to maintain strict adherence to party discipline.
Qin Gang was once seen as a trusted aide to Xi Jinping, playing a crucial role in shaping China's assertive foreign policy. His "wolf warrior" diplomacy-characterized by a combative and nationalistic approach to international relations-won him both praise and criticism on the global stage. However, his rapid ascent was matched by an equally swift downfall, culminating in his replacement by veteran diplomat Wang Yi in July 2023.
Qin's demotion is part of a broader shake-up within the Chinese government, which has seen several high-ranking officials dismissed or investigated in recent months. Among those is General Li Shangfu, China's defense minister, who was reportedly investigated for corruption. This wave of political purges reflects the ongoing consolidation of power within the Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping's leadership.
The scandal surrounding Qin Gang has also drawn attention to Fu Xiaotian, the television host alleged to have been involved with Qin. According to reports by The Financial Times, Fu's high-profile lifestyle, which included social media posts of her travels on private jets with her son, raised concerns within the Chinese government. Some observers suggest that Fu's activities may have posed a security risk, with unconfirmed allegations that she might have passed sensitive information to foreign intelligence services.
Despite the swirling rumors, neither Qin Gang nor Fu Xiaotian has publicly commented on the allegations. The Chinese government has also remained tight-lipped about the circumstances leading to Qin's demotion. The opaque nature of Chinese politics, combined with the lack of concrete evidence, has left many questions unanswered.
