First, they disappeared from public life, then from China’s Cabinet lineup. Qin Gang was dropped as the country’s top diplomat and shortly after, Li Shangfu removed as defence minister. Theories abound as to why they fell out of favour.
Beijing correspondent Olivia Siong sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.
Jump to these key moments:
1:45 Reactions to the removal7:56 The timing of the announcement14:03 Scant details about the removals15:36 President Xi Jinping’s leadership17:54 What do the changes mean to China’s geopolitical interests?