Overview

• Authorities took Liu into custody for questioning in late July after he returned from abroad, with no formal charges or explanation issued.
• Liu has led the party’s International Department since May 2022, traveling to more than 20 nations and meeting officials from over 160 countries.
• The probe is the highest-level diplomatic investigation since former foreign minister Qin Gang’s removal in 2023.
• Liu was considered a leading candidate to succeed Wang Yi as foreign minister, his absence disrupting the expected line of diplomatic succession.
• The case underscores Xi Jinping’s use of anti-corruption measures to reinforce party discipline, consolidating his control over foreign policy leadership.