Blinken anticipates positive collaboration with new Chinese foreign minister

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that he expects to “work well” with China’s new foreign minister, after previous incumbent Qin Gang was abruptly removed from office.

“I’ve also known Wang Yi for more than a decade. I’ve met with him repeatedly,” Blinken said in reference to the new top diplomat. “I anticipate being able to work well with him as we have in the past.”

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“It is important for us to manage this relationship responsibly. That starts with diplomacy, that starts with engaging, and I will work with whoever the relevant Chinese counterpart is.”

Blinken said it was China’s “sovereign decision” to remove Qin, who had not been seen in public since June 25.

No official reason has been given for his removal or disappearance from public view.

“Qin Gang was ambassador to Washington. I got to know him when he was ambassador. I had constructive conversations with him in his role as foreign minister and I wish him well,” Blinken said.

Qin’s absence had sparked a storm of speculation that the 57-year-old, considered a confidant of President Xi Jinping, had fallen from grace or was subject to an official investigation.

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