Qin Gang: China removes foreign minister after unexplained absence

China has removed Qin Gang as foreign minister less than seven months after he was appointed to the post.

The role will be taken up by the Communist Party's foreign affairs chief, Wang Yi, who was previously foreign minister.

Mr Qin's prolonged disappearance from public view - and official silence over it - has fuelled furious speculation.

The 57-year-old's last known public engagements were on 25 June. No reason was given for his removal. read more