Exclusive: The Meteoric Rise of Qin Gang

China launches another internet crackdown targeting online rumours; US climate envoy Kerry visits China to restart climate talks; Hong Kong insurers face new capital rules aimed at reining in risks

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Exclusive: The Meteoric Rise of Qin Gang

Qin Gang's career trajectory can be described as the most dazzling rising star on the Chinese political stage in the past decade. Before 2022, the idea of Qin Gang becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs in China was unthinkable. However, today, Qin Gang not only became the Minister of Foreign Affairs but also was promoted to the level of State Councilor, a national-level leadership position.

Over a decade ago, many people predicted that Liu Jieyi would become the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was the husband of Zhang Qiyue. However, after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Liu Jieyi couldn't even retain his position as a Central Committee member. Therefore, Qin Gang's rapid rise sparked much discussion. It is generally believed that Qin Gang's ability to rise so quickly is due to the appreciation and trust from Xi Jinping, who considers him one of his confidants.

In the 1980s, Qin Gang graduated from the Beijing International Studies University, an important institution for training spies in China. After graduation, he entered a well-known specialized unit called the Beijing Diplomatic Personnel Service Bureau. This bureau was responsible for providing various services to foreign diplomats, journalists, and other personnel stationed in Beijing, including language translation, housing arrangements, and hiring drivers, chefs, and nannies.

This organization, personally approved by Zhou Enlai, was to some extent seen as a surveillance unit for foreigners but also brought in income for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. People within this unit often competed with each other and some took the opportunity to have relationships with foreigners and leave China.

Around 1994, Qin Gang left this unit and officially entered the political system of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He became a member of the Western Europe Department and started from the bottom of the department. He was assigned to the embassies in the United Kingdom and the United States.

He started from the bottom at the Embassy in the UK and later became a Second Secretary. He also served as the head of the Western Europe Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was considered an expert in Western European affairs. He excelled in handling various matters related to the Western Europe Department.

What truly changed his fate were three critical opportunities:

Firstly, he replaced Zhang Qiyue as the spokesperson. The position of spokesperson initially belonged to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Intelligence Department, established by the diplomatic godfather Qian Qichen. Qian Qichen himself was the first spokesperson, so people from the spokesperson background in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs often received special attention. Serving as a spokesperson made it much easier to be promoted. In a few decades, three spokespersons later became Ministers of Foreign Affairs, namely Qian Qichen, Li Zhaoxing, and Qin Gang.

Unlike the earlier spokespersons, the current spokespersons are seen as hardliners. Although the relationship between the early spokespersons and journalists was relatively good, with clear ideological leanings and limited disclosure of information, Western journalists had a relatively mild impression of them. In contrast, Qin Gang, as a neutral spokesperson, used quite assertive language, causing Western journalists to keep their distance and perceive him as destined for a high-ranking position, which made them less inclined to have candid conversations with him.

The second decisive event that changed Qin Gang's fate occurred within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Kunsheng, who was also the secretary and chief of protocol to Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, was arrested. Zhang Kunsheng's arrest was partly due to the fact that the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which he was in charge of, had the opportunity to arrange for entrepreneurs to get close to the leaders and gain personal benefits. Additionally, Zhang Kunsheng had a connection with Ding Xiaowen, another secretary to Li Zhaoxing, who was implicated in the anti-Xi faction associated with Ling Jihua.

In May 2016, Chinese media reported that Zhang Kunsheng, a former member of the Party Committee and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, was expelled from the Party due to serious violations of discipline. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection subsequently launched an investigation into him. The investigation revealed that Zhang Kunsheng had seriously violated political discipline and rules, obstructed organizational investigations, severely violated the spirit of the eight-point regulation and relevant disciplinary rules, engaged in irregular visits to private clubs, failed to report personal matters as required, accepted gifts and bribes, engaged in illicit sexual activities, used his position to seek benefits for others and accept money, and was suspected of bribery crimes.

The primary task of the Protocol Department is to arrange the visits of Chinese leaders, which gave Qin Gang the opportunity to get close to Xi Jinping. In Chinese officialdom, it is extremely difficult for provincial and municipal party secretaries to get close to Xi Jinping. However, Qin Gang could easily approach Xi Jinping. Unlike other chiefs of protocol, Qin Gang personally made arrangements, acting like a secretary with Xi Jinping following behind him. As a result, Qin Gang always appeared in front of Xi Jinping.

It was widely believed that Qin Gang's promotion was only a matter of time, but no one expected him to become the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. This position is essentially a prelude to becoming the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In fact, in recent years, the position of Ambassador to the United States in many countries is considered equivalent to that of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both Yang Jiechi and Li Zhaoxing have served as the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. The reason behind this is that Zheng Zeguang, who was originally responsible for receiving Cui Tiankai, was considered too straightforward and unable to deal with the complex situation, so he was reassigned to the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom. When Qin Gang arrived in the United States, he was both humble and confident of victory. On one hand, he had to be cautious, and on the other hand, he had to pave the way for a quick return to Beijing. During his time in the United States, he didn't even have the opportunity to present his credentials to the U.S. President, which later was promptly done by Xie Feng.

The U.S. State Department and the White House didn't take Qin Gang seriously. However, unexpectedly, an opportunity came so quickly, just like when Zhang Kunsheng was arrested before. At this time, Le Yucheng, who was considered the successor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, encountered problems.

The third opportunity came when Le Yucheng was demoted to the position of Deputy Director of the National Radio and Television Administration. In June 2022, the Chinese State Council announced personnel changes, transferring Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Yucheng to the position of Deputy Director of the National Radio and Television Administration, relieving him of his duties as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Analysts speculate that this indicates a significant setback in Le Yucheng's career. At 59 years old, Le Yucheng has essentially lost the opportunity for promotion to full ministerial level and is likely to retire after turning 60 next year. Unlike Zhang Kunsheng's political issues, Le Yucheng's problem was due to being reported by a woman. In comparison, Le Yucheng was young, talented, and friendly, but due to his rapid promotion, he was constantly subject to complaints from others, which eventually led to his exposure. It was at this time that Qin Gang was promoted to the position of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, which surprised people in Washington. They did not expect Qin Gang to be promoted so quickly and were amazed at how he was treated with indifference during his time in Washington. As a result, Xie Feng was sent to the United States as the Chinese Ambassador and promptly presented the credentials. Qin Gang not only became the Minister of Foreign Affairs but was also promoted to State Councilor. It can be said that in the past decade, no one has risen through the ranks faster than him. This has sparked possibilities of jealousy, attacks, and exaggerated accusations, as some of Qin Gang's past actions may be magnified. Therefore, his disappearance since June 25th has triggered such a strong reaction.

China launches another internet crackdown targeting online rumours

South China Morning Post

China's Ministry of Public Security has launched a weeklong campaign to combat online rumors. The campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of misinformation and follows President Xi Jinping's call for China to build a "security barrier" around the internet. The ministry ran a similar 100-day crackdown earlier this year, during which it investigated over 1,600 cases of online rumors and shut down more than 10,000 social media accounts. Local police departments have already reported success in the current campaign, with hundreds of individuals targeted for spreading rumors and dozens of illegal accounts shut down.

US climate envoy Kerry visits China to restart climate talks

Deutsche Welle

US climate envoy John Kerry is set to meet his Chinese counterpart, Xie Zhenhua, in Beijing to discuss reducing methane emissions, limiting coal use, curbing deforestation and helping low-income countries address climate change. Some analysts have cautioned against expecting any major breakthrough, but the talks could help ease strained ties between Washington and Beijing over issues such as trade, human rights and Taiwan.

Hong Kong insurers face new capital rules aimed at reining in risks

South China Morning Post

New capital requirements for insurance companies in Hong Kong will improve risk management and strengthen the city's status as an international insurance hub, according to industry insiders. The framework will require insurers to maintain appropriate capital and solvency levels based on their risk exposure, with shorter-term policies demanding less capital and longer-term policies needing more. The move is expected to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international financial and risk management centre, as well as attracting more international insurers to the city.

Hongkongers weather the storm to spend latest round of consumption vouchers

South China Morning Post

Hongkongers have shown enthusiasm for spending the latest round of consumption vouchers, despite an approaching typhoon. However, some have expressed disappointment in the HK$2,000 ($256) amount of the second instalment. The vouchers are part of a scheme introduced by the Hong Kong government to boost spending in the retail and catering industry. The first round of vouchers worth HK$3,000 was distributed in mid-April.

Yellen Calls for Accelerating Debt Relief for Poor Countries

NY Times

Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen has called for international creditors to expedite debt relief efforts for developing countries at risk of default. She argued that stabilising their worsening finances would benefit the global economy. Yellen cited the recent agreement between international creditors, including China, to help Zambia pay its debts as a blueprint for other nations. Over half of low-income countries are currently in or near debt distress, double the figure from 2015. Yellen is expected to urge her G20 counterparts to accelerate efforts to allow poor nations to restructure their debt and offer more clarity on how this should be done.

Taiwan presidential hopefuls woo Southeast Asian diaspora

Nikkei Asia

Taiwanese presidential candidate William Lai Ching-te is looking to Southeast Asia for political support, as Taiwan increases its business and trade links in the region. Lai has set up support centres in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Laos, as he attempts to pivot towards the region. The move comes as Taiwan's investors and companies reduce their dependency on China, which has traditionally influenced elections.

China appears to be readying 2 advanced warships for launch

South China Morning Post

China is preparing to launch two Type 054B multi-role frigates, which will strengthen its new generation of aircraft carrier strike groups. Satellite images shared by Chinese navy enthusiasts show the hull of a Type 054B frigate being prepared for launch in Guangzhou. The frigate is larger and faster than the Type 054A and has adopted advanced technologies from the Type 055 cruiser. China plans to launch two Type 054B frigates by the end of this year, which will be equipped with more powerful weapons and will be able to carry two Z-20 anti-submarine helicopters.

Germany warns companies to manage China risks in tougher stance

Japan Times

The German government has urged the country's largest companies to ensure their risks in China are manageable, as part of a new strategy to reset relations with China. The move comes as part of efforts to avoid state bailouts and to handle the world's second-largest economy more carefully. The government has characterised China as a "partner, competitor and systemic rival", leaving the door open, but taking a more cautious stance than under Chancellor Angela Merkel.

British defence secretary warns of Cold War in Pacific by 2030

The Sydney Morning Herald

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has warned that the West must develop a more coherent political strategy towards China's expansionist activities in the South China Sea or face a conflict within a decade. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Wallace said that China's aim of constructing new islands and stationing military equipment in the region could lead to a "total breakdown of politics in the Pacific". He expressed concern about Chinese President Xi Jinping's desire to take Taiwan, saying that it would have disastrous consequences for the West.

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