China’s foreign minister replaced after weeks of absence

Qin Gang has been removed from office (Suo Takekuma/Pool Photo via AP)

China’s outspoken foreign minister Qin Gang has been removed from office and replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi.

In an announcement on Tuesday evening, state media gave no reason for Mr Qin’s removal but it comes after he dropped out of sight almost one month ago amid speculation over his personal affairs and political rivalries.