The Chinese Communist Party’s Minister of the Department of External Liaison, Liu Jianchao, was taken in for questioning by authorities after returning to Beijing at the end of his overseas visit in late July, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on August 9th. Liu Jianchao is considered a moderate within the diplomatic system and is a member of the 20th Central Committee, widely seen as a top candidate for the position of China’s Foreign Minister. His downfall is believed to be linked to power struggles, with many speculating it as a victory for the hawkish faction.
The reasons behind Liu Jianchao’s investigation are varied, with some suggesting possible involvement in leaking classified information, while others allege aiding Chinese tycoons in transferring assets overseas.
Since Xi Jinping took office, Liu Jianchao transitioned from the diplomatic system to the discipline inspection system, playing a crucial role in the overseas “Operation Fox Hunt” and later rising to the position of Minister of the Department of External Liaison, becoming the head of another of the CCP’s overseas espionage systems.
Liu Jianchao’s downfall is likely to implicate China’s vast overseas intelligence network. The shadow of the Department of External Liaison can be seen behind large-scale disturbances in democratic countries, including anti-war protests and anti-Semitic riots. This kind of intelligence is highly sought after by the United States. The question remains whether Liu Jianchao was a mere whistleblower or if he has already defected.
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