Asian Angle | As China stays the course with Wang Yi’s return, Southeast Asia can work with Beijing to build stronger ties
- China’s relationship with Southeast Asia has gained importance in light of Western powers’ attempts to expand influence in the Asia-Pacific
- Wang’s experience will enable a more decisive and coherent foreign policy in Beijing’s bid to stand up for its interests and seek out more friends
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Big political questions linger after China abruptly replaces its foreign minister
The Chinese foreign ministry has been ambiguous about the causes of Qin’s disappearance. It has said he was unwell, denied knowledge of extramarital rumours surrounding him, and referred questions about his whereabouts to the foreign ministry website.
Almost all traces of Qin being foreign minister have been removed from the site, underscoring the ministry’s lack of organisational autonomy and reflecting the peculiarities of a party-controlled or, as others have called it, a one-man centralised political system.
The lack of information on Qin’s whereabouts and the opaqueness of how senior government officials are appointed or removed raise questions about China’s system of governance.
Having lifted 800 million people out of poverty, a remarkable feat for a developing country, China’s next goal is to become a modern socialist country by 2035 by carrying out reforms, including improving its system and capacity for governance.