China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang Replaced Amid Mysterious Disappearance

China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister, less than seven months after his appointment, and replaced him with veteran Communist Party foreign affairs chief Wang Yi. Qin's prolonged absence from public view and the lack of official explanation had fueled speculation. The appointment of Wang Yi is seen as a move to stabilize Chinese diplomacy. Qin's rise to become foreign minister was dramatic, and his absence sparked rumors of power struggles, corruption, and romantic relationships. The Chinese internet's discussion of these rumors without complete censorship has raised further interest.