Chinese authorities have detained Liu Jianchao, head of the Communist Party’s foreign relations department, for questioning. According to the reports, officials took the 61-year-old into custody in late July, shortly after he returned to Beijing from an overseas trip.

Rising Star in Chinese Diplomacy

Liu is a close ally of President Xi Jinping, and many considered him a possible future foreign minister. Since 2022, he has led the party’s office that manages ties with foreign political parties. During this time, he visited more than 20 countries and met officials from over 160 nations. Moreover, his meeting with former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington fueled speculation about his promotion.

Detention Sends Shockwaves

The detention comes just weeks before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Consequently, the news has sent shockwaves through China’s diplomatic circles. In fact, this is the highest-level investigation involving a diplomat since Qin Gang’s removal in 2023.

Long Career in Foreign Affairs

Liu was born in Jilin province. He studied English in Beijing and later pursued international relations at Oxford University. Afterward, he joined the foreign ministry as a translator. Over the years, he served in Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines. As ministry spokesman, he became known for blending humor with a strong defense of China’s interests.