Overview

• The department’s website on September 30 confirmed Liu Jianchao’s removal and named Liu Haixing as the new chief.
• Chinese authorities have not acknowledged any investigation or disclosed reasons for the leadership change.
• Foreign outlets reported in August that Liu Jianchao was taken into custody after returning from an overseas trip in late July.
• Liu Jianchao had been regarded as a leading candidate for foreign minister and is noted for his expertise on Japan.
• Analysts link the move to a broader pattern of opaque high-level shakeups under Xi Jinping’s third-term leadership.