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The Complicated Relationships in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Epoch Times published a report analyzing the work relationship of China’s newly appointed Ambassador to the U.S. Qing Gang with top diplomats in China. Duowei, a media close to Jiang Zemin’s group, stated that Qin has “the trust and appreciation of Xi Jinping” and that he “can have direct access to the White House at critical moments.” This means that he has “direct access to Xi Jinping.” This also means that those in the White House would like to talk to him as he can bring Xi’s message to them.

According to Hong Kong media, there are many groups in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The larger cliques include the Beijing Foreign Studies University clique, the Beijing International Studies University clique (with Foreign Minister Wang Yi as the clique leader), the Beijing Language and Culture University clique, the Shanghai International Studies University clique, the China Foreign Affairs University clique, the University of International Relations clique, the Beijing University clique, the Fudan University clique, and others as well. Qing Gang was from the University of International Relations, so this clique may gain more influence now; but other cliques may balance or counteract some of them.

What is even more complicated is the diplomacy leadership. Xi is said to “guide the diplomacy work directly.” Wang Huning, a Standing Committee Member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo, might be the man behind the diplomatic scene. The next person is Yang Jiechi, CCP Politburo Member and Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Work Committee. Next is Wang Yi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After Wang, it is Qi Yu (齐玉), Party Secretary of the CCP Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then there are the Deputy Ministers. Since Qing Gang can access Xi directly, how he will work with these leaders above him is yet to be seen.

Source: Epoch Times, July 31, 2021
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/21/7/31/n13129795.htm