Image: A Chinese military canine and demolition unit conducting a security sweep at Tiananmen Square. (Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
[People News] The news regarding Liu Jianchao, the Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, being arrested has generated significant attention. Insiders have revealed to foreign media that authorities conducted a search of his residence in early August. His situation may be more severe than that of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang. As is customary, the Chinese Communist Party has remained tight-lipped about the reasons for Liu Jianchao's detention, leading to various speculations online.
Recently, multiple foreign media outlets reported on Liu Jianchao's arrest. The Wall Street Journal, on August 10, cited sources indicating that Liu Jianchao was taken away for questioning by authorities after returning to Beijing at the end of July from an overseas trip.
Reuters reported, citing five insiders, that Liu Jianchao was taken away in early August, with two of them confirming that the Chinese Communist authorities searched his residence during that time.
An article by Andre published on August 12 in Radio France Internationale suggests that Liu Jianchao's situation is more serious than that of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The article draws a comparison between Liu Jianchao and Qin Gang, highlighting striking similarities.
It notes that both are diplomats who have gained recognition from Xi Jinping, both were promoted to the 20th Central Committee, and both have disappeared while serving in ministerial roles.
The circumstances surrounding the disappearances of Qin Gang and Liu Jianchao are also quite similar. Qin Gang went missing just a few months after assuming the role of Foreign Minister. Liu Jianchao was once viewed as a leading candidate to succeed the Foreign Minister, and he was also seen as a potential successor to Wang Yi, yet he has now suddenly disappeared.
The reasons behind Liu Jianchao's disappearance are varied, and the authorities have not provided any official explanation.
On August 8, reports emerged online that Liu Jianchao had been arrested, potentially for leaking confidential information, with additional rumours suggesting he was involved in facilitating the transfer of assets overseas for wealthy Chinese individuals.
Shibata Akio, a veteran media figure who previously served as the Beijing correspondent for the Sankei Shimbun, mentioned that during Liu Jianchao's tenure as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he had several interactions with him, including shared meals. He noted that within the foreign journalist community, Ministry spokespersons are often classified as either 'moderates' or 'hardliners,' with distinct differences in their language when responding to inquiries and their demeanour towards foreign reporters. In Shibata Akio's view, Liu Jianchao and Qin Gang are considered part of the 'moderate' faction.
In analysing the reasons behind Liu Jianchao's questioning, Shibata Akio suggested that even if Liu were guilty of corruption, the sums involved would likely be minimal; furthermore, there was little incentive for him to leak information. 'The most plausible explanation is that he was eliminated by political rivals.'
Shibata Akio posits that Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been inconsistent, wavering between 'coordinating with the U.S.' and 'taking a hardline stance against the U.S.' He believes that Liu Jianchao has become a casualty of the conflict between these two approaches. Liu Jianchao's recent downfall suggests that the 'hardliners' against the U.S. have gained the upper hand, indicating that the U.S.-China tensions are unlikely to ease anytime soon.
Analysis from Radio France Internationale indicates that Liu Jianchao's troubles may be linked to the question of who will succeed the ageing Wang Yi as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Following Qin Gang's issues, there were widespread speculations that Liu Jianchao would take over his position. However, Wang Yi ultimately returned to the Ministry. Now, Liu Jianchao is once again being discussed as a leading candidate for the ministerial role, which may not bode well, as it could pose a threat to Wang Yi's standing.
Akio Shibata noted that the two most crucial departments within the Chinese Communist Party government are the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ongoing incidents involving officials from these departments suggest that there is instability at the core of power. △
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