In recent days, there has been a controversy surrounding the Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, Yu Qi, who was driving a private car with embassy license plates and parked illegally at an intersection. When passersby tried to advise him, Yu Qi responded rudely with remarks like “Do you know what diplomatic immunity means?” This incident has attracted attention, and Yu Qi later apologized in a video. Some analysts speculate that Yu Qi may resign early due to this scandal.
On June 19th, several topics related to Yu Qi appeared on the hot search list of a popular social media platform in mainland China. A netizen in Beijing recently revealed that while out with family, they encountered a traffic jam with no progress for a long time. Upon investigation, they found a black sedan with embassy license plates parked in the middle of the road.
The netizen confronted the female driver of the sedan, and she retorted, “Can you teach me where to park? If not here, then where?” She also condescendingly asked the netizen, “Do you know what an embassy car is? Do you know what diplomatic immunity means?”
This news has sparked widespread attention online, with netizens identifying the female driver as Yu Qi, who previously served as Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Office of the National Space Administration and now holds the position of Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization.
According to the authorities in Beijing, on June 16th, a diplomatic vehicle caused a dispute at the intersection of Guangxin Street and Guangtai East Road in Chaoyang District. The vehicle was registered under the name of an international organization. The occupants of the vehicle were Xu (male, 61 years old) and Yu (female, 58 years old, an employee of the international organization). The vehicle violated parking regulations.
This scandal has not only drawn attention in mainland China but has also captured international interest. On the same day, Yu Qi was forced to make a public apology and acknowledged that the scandal had a negative impact on the international organization she is associated with.
Yu Qi, who holds a Ph.D. from Beihang University, has held various positions in the past, including roles at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Defense Science and Technology Bureau. She assumed the role of Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization in November 2020, with a term of five years set to end in November next year.
According to Hong Kong media reports on June 20th, the scandal involving Yu Qi has garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Being a Chinese (CCP) official herself, it is anticipated that she may step down earlier than planned.
Public records indicate that the headquarters of the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization is located in Beijing. The organization, initiated and sponsored by the CCP, currently consists of seven member countries including China (CCP), Thailand, Pakistan, and two signatory countries.