The former Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, Liu Jianchao, a prominent diplomat and possible next foreign minister, is under investigation after returning from a trip abroad in late July. According to the report, he was “brought in” by authorities for questioning, but the reason for the investigation is unclear.
Liu, 61, has held important positions as ambassador to the Philippines and Indonesia, and has been a foreign ministry spokesman. He also leads several national and regional groups that help with the anti-corruption campaign promoted by President Xi Jinping.
This is the highest level investigation into a Chinese diplomat since Qin Gang was removed as foreign minister in 2023. Liu is known as a rising leader in China's diplomacy.
In early July, he accused the US defense secretary of inciting tensions and conflicts by encouraging American allies to strengthen their militaries against China. Liu's last public appearance was on July 29 in Algeria after a series of meetings with several countries in Africa and Asia.
