Chinese High-Ranking Diplomat Detained

High-ranking Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao detained for questioning in Beijing

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 immediately after returning to Beijing from a foreign business trip, reports Gazeta.ru. The circumstances and reasons for the detention of the 61-year-old high-ranking diplomat remain unknown.

Journalists were unable to contact Liu Jianchao, while China's Foreign Ministry and other official structures remain silent and refuse to comment on the situation. It's worth noting that after Qin Gang's resignation in 2023, Liu Jianchao was considered one of the most likely candidates for the position of head of China's foreign policy department. Since 2022, the diplomat has conducted impressive international work, visiting more than 20 countries and holding negotiations with representatives of over 160 states, including meetings with former US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Currently, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is headed by Wang Yi.