A senior Chinese diplomat, Liu Jianchao, widely seen as a potential future foreign minister, has been detained by authorities for questioning, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
Liu, 61, was taken away after returning to Beijing in late July from an overseas work trip, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. The detention marks a significant development in Chinese politics, particularly given Liu’s high-profile role and recent speculation about his potential future as foreign minister.
Liu has led the Communist Party’s body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties since 2022. In this role, he has traveled to over 20 nations and met officials from more than 160 countries. His busy schedule, including meetings with former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, had stoked expectations that he was being groomed for a top diplomatic role. The detention of Liu is notable, especially given the recent case of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was ousted in 2023 amid rumors of an extramarital affair.
Liu’s diplomatic career spans several decades, with key postings including China’s mission to Britain, ambassador to Indonesia, and ambassador to the Philippines. As a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liu was known for his humorous yet forthright defense of China’s interests. His background in English and international relations has served him well in his diplomatic endeavors.
The reasons behind Liu’s detention are not yet clear, and the Chinese government has not commented on the matter. However, this development is likely to raise questions about the stability and continuity of China’s diplomatic leadership. Given Liu’s experience and profile, his detention is a significant event in the context of Chinese politics and diplomacy.