Senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao, viewed as a potential future foreign minister of China, has been detained by authorities for questioning after his return from an overseas trip in late July 2025. Liu, 61, who currently heads the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—responsible for managing relationships with foreign political parties—was reportedly taken away soon after coming back to Beijing. The reasons for his detention remain unclear, with no official comment from Beijing so far. This incident marks the highest-level investigation involving a Chinese diplomat since former foreign minister Qin Gang was abruptly removed in 2023 amid rumors of an extramarital affair.

Liu Jianchao has an extensive diplomatic career, including posts as China’s ambassador to the Philippines and Indonesia and serving as spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. Since assuming leadership of the CCP's International Department in 2022, he has traveled to over 20 countries, meeting with officials from more than 160 nations. His recent work included diplomatic engagements in Africa and Singapore, and he was actively involved in discussions with top foreign officials, including the former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. These active international interactions fueled speculation that Liu was being groomed to replace the current foreign minister, Wang Yi.

Liu’s background highlights his long-standing ties to China’s diplomatic machinery and the Communist Party’s inner circles. Born in Jilin province, he graduated in English from Beijing Foreign Studies University and studied international relations at Oxford. His career trajectory includes roles within China’s mission in the UK and key ambassadorial assignments. Known for his candid and sometimes humorous public statements defending China’s interests, Liu also previously took part in high-profile anti-corruption campaigns under President Xi Jinping. His detention has sent shockwaves through the Chinese diplomatic community, especially as it closely follows the downfall of Qin Gang, raising questions about internal party dynamics and political stability.

The timing of Liu's detention is notable, occurring just weeks before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit scheduled in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025, an event critical for regional diplomacy. Liu’s role in shaping the Communist Party’s foreign policy and his influence over diplomatic outreach make his removal from active duty particularly significant. Given the lack of official statements, analysts are watching for the underlying causes, which might range from internal political struggles to possible probes into misconduct—though no details have been disclosed. The incident highlights the opaque and tightly controlled nature of Chinese elite politics, where even top diplomats are vulnerable to sudden scrutiny.