China's new foreign minister may strike softer tone

Significance

China's top leaders are normally reshuffled every five or ten years, so this is highly irregular. The official reason is ill health, but the opacity of China’s political system invites rumour and speculation. Qin was replaced by Wang Yi, his predecessor in the post, who now holds the foreign minister role concurrently with a more senior position.

Impacts

• Decision-making within China's diplomatic service may slow until the reasons and consequences of Qin's departure become clearer.
• Qin's removal highlights that political affiliations are not fixed; he was promoted by President Xi Jinping and seen as a protege and ally.
• Qin's removal hints at the possibility of political instability behind the scenes, which will make foreign business uneasy.