JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was removed from office on Tuesday according to state media reports, after having disappeared for a month from the public eye.
The report gave no reason for Qin's sacking that lasted less than seven months after his appointment, but said President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to enforce the decision.
"China's top legislative body chose to appoint Wang Yi as Minister of Foreign Affairs... after holding a session on Tuesday," the Xinhua state media outlet said, as reported by The National News July 25.
"Qin Gang was removed from the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs," the media reported.
Qin is seen as Xi's confidant and many analysts attribute his rapid promotion through diplomatic ranks to their relationship.
Qin himself is known to have not been seen in public since June 25, when he met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing.
China has not commented on Qin's disappearance from the public. His absence sparked great speculation that he had been removed from office or was undergoing an official investigation.
Qin is known to have been President Xi Jinping's adjutant and Chinese Ambassador to the United States. In addition, he twice served as a spokesman for the foreign ministry, between 2006-2014.
The ministry said it was not working for health reasons but did not provide details, sparking speculation and attracting attention to confidentiality that often surrounds Beijing's leadership and decision-making.
"The lack of explanation opens up more questions than giving answers," said Ja Ian Chong, professor of political science at the National University of Singapore.
"This also underlines the void and uncertainty, even arbitrariness in the current political system," he said.
Qin's recent task was taken over by top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, who led the ruling Communist Party's foreign policy and outperformed Qin in the government hierarchy.
Qin Gang previously replaced Wang Yi as foreign minister in December last year. Wang was later promoted to the Chinese Communist Party's politburo, one of China's highest leadership bodies.
"Wang Yi is a rational choice," said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington.
"To convey a sense of stability and credibility, China needs to choose someone who is senior, authoritative, and perfect," he explained.
Qin's political future remains unclear, analysts said, pointing out there is no clarity as to whether he will remain a member of the state council, a member of China's cabinet.
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" Qin's fire without explanation has left rumors and speculation about his departure," said Dali Yang, professor of political science at the University of Chicago.
"The fate is left hanging and is a striking reminder of the uncertainty of China's political system," he said.
It is known, this is not the first time there has been a absence of officials in China for no apparent reason.
Xiao Yaqing's Minister of Industry disappeared from public view for nearly a month before it was revealed he was being investigated for corruption.
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