Qin Gang’s disappearance and shifts in party–state relations in China’s foreign policymaking

Abstract

The June 2023 disappearance of China’s then-foreign minister Qin Gang for unknown reasons has caused speculation internationally about the country’s domestic political dynamics and about the party–state relations in foreign policy. Notably, the Chinese Communist Party has been more active internationally since President Xi Jinping began his third term in office in 2022 via organisations including the International Liaison Department and United Front Work Department.