Chinese High-Ranking Diplomat Detained

The head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Liu Jianchao, was detained for questioning in late July after returning to Beijing from a foreign trip, according to Gazeta.ru

The reasons for the detention of the 61-year-old diplomat are unknown. The newspaper was unable to contact him. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other official bodies have not commented on the situation. After Qin Gang's resignation in 2023, Liu Jianchao was considered as a potential candidate for the position of China's Foreign Minister.

Since 2022, Jianchao has visited more than 20 countries and met with representatives from over 160 nations. His active diplomacy, including meetings with former US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, led to speculation about his possible appointment as Foreign Minister. Currently, Wang Yi heads China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.