Diplomat of high rank in China undergoes investigation
Prominent Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Detained for Questioning
A senior Chinese diplomat, Liu Jianchao, has been detained by authorities for questioning in Beijing since late July 2025. The detention marks the highest-level inquiry into a Chinese diplomat since the 2023 ousting of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang [1][4].
Liu Jianchao, who heads the Chinese Communist Party's International Department, is a key figure in China's diplomatic and political circles. He has previously served in key diplomatic roles, including ambassadorships to the Philippines and Indonesia, and as foreign ministry spokesperson [4]. Liu is also the head of a department under the ruling Communist Party that oversees relations with foreign political parties and socialist countries.
Before his detention, Liu Jianchao's most recent public engagement was on July 29 in Algeria, following meetings in several African countries, Singapore, and elsewhere in late July [1]. The exact reasons for his detention remain undisclosed by official sources, and he has been held in custody since then.
Reports suggest that Liu is under investigation by the Chinese Communist Party’s internal disciplinary body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). Given his prominence within the Party and his roles related to internal discipline and international operations, it is expected that he faces scrutiny under the Party's internal security mechanisms [2].
The International Department, which Liu Jianchao currently heads, reported Liu's activities on its website before his detention. In early July, Liu accused the United States' defense chief of "inciting confrontation and conflict" by urging American allies to bolster their militaries to counter China [2].
The details of Liu Jianchao's detention were reported by The Wall Street Journal on August 10. People familiar with the matter provided the details to the newspaper [3]. Recent reports indicate that other senior officials in the International Department, including the Vice Minister, have also been questioned [3].
In summary, Liu Jianchao is a top-ranking Chinese diplomat currently under secretive investigation and detention by CCP disciplinary authorities since late July 2025, with no public details yet on the accusations or charges. This investigation is the highest-profile diplomatic probe since Qin Gang’s removal in 2023, reflecting a politically sensitive situation within China’s diplomatic and party leadership [1][2][3][4].
Sources:
- Reuters
- South China Morning Post
- The Wall Street Journal
- CNN
War-and-conflicts may be a possible focus of Liu Jianchao's current investigation, as he had publicly accused the United States' defense chief of inciting confrontation and conflict.
This recent probe of Liu, a high-ranking diplomat in China, falls under the purview of the crime-and-justice category, as it is a high-profile diplomatic investigation that has been carried out by the Chinese Communist Party’s internal disciplinary body.
