China’s ex-foreign minister was removed over an affair in US: report
text_fields
Beijing: China removed former Foreign Minister Qin Gang after an inquiry by communist party found out ‘lifestyle issues’ with him while serving as ambassador to the US, according to Bloomberg.
The investigation concluded that Qin Gang had an affair in the US and fathered a child, the report said citing Wall Street Journal.
The phrase "lifestyle issues," suggests sexual misbehavior in the parlance of Chinese official circle.
The report citing people familiar with the development said the former minister’s affair led to the birth of a child in the US.
Chinese authorities are now investigating whether the affair led to compromising China’s national security.
The sensitive case of a minister falling in love in the US comes as China is fighting a cold war with the country.
China has been intensifying its national security after its relation with the US went downhill.
Just seven months after he became the minister, Qin lost the job without authorities explaining the reason for ousting.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who is not seen in public recently, is facing probe for corruption.
Also, Communist Party is studying senior leaders’ dealings with foreigners, according to the report.
In 2021 when Qin was serving in the US, he was a fan of American culture attending a baseball game and spending time with Elon Musk.