Overview

• Liu Jianchao, head of the CCP’s Central External Liaison Department and a leading foreign minister candidate, was detained by authorities after returning to Beijing from overseas in late July.
• No official explanation has been provided for his detention, fueling speculation about corruption allegations or internal political struggles.
• The Central External Liaison Department oversees party-to-party diplomacy, and Liu’s arrest raises concerns about disruptions to Sino-Japanese engagements.
• The opaque nature of CCP disciplinary processes is underscored by Liu’s case, reflecting Xi’s tight control over internal investigations.
• Analysts view his detention as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign that critics say serves to consolidate Xi’s authority within the party.