Chinese language diplomat Liu Jianchao taken in for questioning, WSJ studies

Liu Jianchao, a senior Chinese language diplomat extensively seen as a possible future overseas minister, has been taken away by authorities for questioning, the Wall Road Journal reported on Sunday.

Liu was taken away after returning to Beijing in late July from an abroad work journey, WSJ reported, citing folks aware of the matter.

China’s State Council Data Workplace, which handles media queries for the Chinese language authorities, and the Chinese language Communist Celebration Worldwide Liaison Division didn’t instantly reply to Reuters’ request for remark.

Liu, 61, has led the Communist Celebration’s physique accountable for managing ties with overseas political events. Since taking the position in 2022, he has travelled to greater than 20 nations and met officers from greater than 160 nations.

Liu’s busy schedule, particularly his conferences with the previous U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, stoked expectations that the previous ambassador and ministry spokesman was being groomed to be the following overseas minister.

His detention marks the highest-level probe involving a diplomat since China ousted its former overseas minister and President Xi Jinping’s protégé, Qin Gang, in 2023 following rumours of an extramarital affair.

Born within the northeastern province of Jilin, Liu majored in English at Beijing Overseas Research College and studied worldwide relations at Oxford earlier than taking over his first put up as a translator with the overseas ministry.

He has served in China’s mission to Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Throughout his time as ministry spokesman, he was recognized for humorous off-the-cuff feedback whereas making a no-nonsense defence of China’s pursuits.