BEIJING: The Chinese government announced the appointment of Wang Yi as the new Foreign Minister, replacing Qin Gang, after a brief absence from public duties and weeks of speculation surrounding his disappearance.

The decision to appoint Wang Yi to the position was made during a session convened by China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, and was later confirmed by state media outlet Xinhua. Qin Gang, who had been serving as Foreign Minister since December, was removed from his post.

The unexpected meeting, with just one day's notice, sparked curiosity and led analysts to believe it might have been an emergency session convened to address Qin's fate.

Qin, 57, had been seen as a close confidant of President Xi Jinping and was considered one of China's youngest foreign ministers. However, his sudden absence from public view since Jun 25 raised eyebrows, and the lack of detailed information about his whereabouts fueled various speculations, including rumors of a possible investigation for an alleged affair with a prominent television anchor.

Wang Yi, who previously served as Foreign Minister from 2018 to 2022, has been assuming Qin's duties during his absence. With his extensive experience and the trust he enjoys within the Chinese government, Wang's appointment aims to maintain continuity in the country's foreign policy during a time of significant international engagements and strained relations with the United States.

China's tight-lipped approach to providing explanations for Qin's removal has been criticized for its lack of transparency, leaving many questions unanswered. The situation also underscores the opacity and unpredictability of the current political system in the country.

With Wang Yi now assuming the position of Foreign Minister, attention will be on how he navigates China's foreign relations amid the challenges posed by ongoing international engagements and the tensions with the United States.