Top China diplomat, in line for foreign minister role, detained for probe

Beijing’s crackdown on corruption, especially targeting high-ranking officials, also serves to boost Xi’s legitimacy among ordinary people

Chinese authorities have detained senior diplomat Liu Jianchao for a probe, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party, takes part in an event in this file photo. (AFP file photo)

Liu was taken away in late July after arriving in Beijing after an overseas trip, the paper said, adding the reason for the detention was unclear. Liu heads the Communist Party’s International Department, an agency for outreaches to foreign political parties and in parallel to China’s foreign ministry. He has held the role since May 2022.

Liu was