China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been ousted from his position after being absent from public view for over a month, leading to speculation on social media that he may have fathered a love child with a TV presenter. Gang, 57, was replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi, 69, in a surprising move within the Chinese government. He had only been in his role since December but hadn’t been seen in public since June 25. Rumors began circulating on Chinese social media that Gang, who is reportedly married, had fathered a child with TV presenter Fu Xiaotian, 40, who also disappeared from public view around the same time.

According to reports from Taiwan and Hong Kong newspapers, Xiaotian and her son, Er-Kin, have not been seen recently. The only available photo of them together was posted on Xiaotian’s Twitter in April, showing them on a private jet leaving Los Angeles. Xiaotian also posted a screenshot from an interview with Gang on her show “Talk with World Leaders,” where observers noted their flirtatious behavior and increased eye contact. However, discussions about their behavior were quickly censored on social media platforms.

Speculation increased when Xiaotian allegedly posted a photo on her Weibo account with the caption “A victorious closing” on the same day that Gang was promoted to state councilor in March. Online sleuths claimed to have found a secret Instagram account belonging to Xiaotian, which featured a photo of a baby resembling her own. The account also had a picture of Xiaotian wearing a white gown with Gang wearing a suit, leading many to speculate that they had gotten married. Xiaotian later revealed on social media that her son’s father was not American and that they were planning to return to China soon.

The Chinese government has been censoring posts and comments regarding the rumored relationship between Gang and Xiaotian. When asked about the rumors, the Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning claimed to have no knowledge of the matter. Chinese science writer Fang Zhouz suggested that the hesitation in the Ministry’s response indicated that the rumors were true.

Gang, a career diplomat who previously worked as an aide to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, was expected to play a significant role in repairing China’s strained diplomatic relationships. He had recently met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken before his disappearance. The Chinese government cited “health reasons” for Gang’s absence from diplomatic meetings, but all mentions of him have been removed from the Foreign Ministry’s website.

It is uncertain whether Gang will retain his role as state councilor, as no clear announcement has been made regarding his political future. Analysts believe that his removal without explanation has only fueled the rumors and speculation surrounding his disappearance, highlighting the opacity of China’s political system.

In conclusion, China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from his position amidst rumors that he fathered a love child with TV presenter Fu Xiaotian. Despite the Chinese government’s attempt to censor discussions and deny any knowledge of the situation, the disappearance of Gang and Xiaotian has sparked widespread speculation on social media. The future of Gang’s political career remains uncertain, and his removal has raised questions about transparency within China’s political system.