Xi Protege’s Sudden Removal Adds to Rough Start for Third Term
- Qin Gang’s abrupt exit raises questions over his quick rise
- Chinese leader facing risks on economy, US rivalry and Russia
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The sudden ouster of Xi Jinping’s handpicked foreign minister is the latest example of how the Chinese president’s strengthened grip on power has failed to insulate him from setbacks on some of his biggest policy priorities.
Qin Gang’s removal after just seven months on the job is widely seen by China watchers as a blow to Xi, who elevated the official over more experienced contenders. While there’s no sign the Chinese leader faces any serious threat to his rule, the diplomatic turbulence adds to a long list of challenges facing China that can be traced, in part, back to Xi’s signature initiatives.