China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, has been removed from his post less than seven months after his appointment, and the role will now be taken up by Wang Yi, the Communist Party’s foreign affairs chief, who previously served as foreign minister.

Qin Gang’s sudden disappearance from public view in recent months and the lack of explanation from the ministry sparked widespread speculation. The 57-year-old diplomat’s last known public engagements were on 25 June. Qin had been regarded as a trusted aide of Chinese President Xi Jinping and was appointed to his position in December. However, the official reason for his removal remains undisclosed, with President Xi signing the decree authorizing the change, as reported by state news agency Xinhua.