In a surprising turn of events, President Xi Jinping of China has removed Qin Gang from his position as State Councilor and Foreign Minister. This decision has catapulted Wang Yi to the position of the most powerful diplomat in China. Wang now holds several key roles, including Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, State Councilor, Special Representative for India-China boundary talks, and Foreign Minister of China.

The removal of Qin Gang has sparked numerous speculations regarding the reasons behind his ouster. Some experts believe that his removal can be attributed to his diplomatic approach, often described as “wolf warrior” diplomacy, particularly in his dealings with the United States. Other rumors have circulated about Qin’s alleged extramarital affairs, further clouding the true reasons for his dismissal.

Despite efforts to uncover the truth, diplomats in Beijing, New Delhi, and the US remain bewildered by the sudden removal of Qin Gang. The Hindustan Times, after conducting interviews with these diplomats, has found that no one has concrete knowledge of the motives behind President Xi Jinping’s decision to remove Qin Gang, nor do they have any insight into whether he will be reinstated or permanently cast aside.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Qin’s removal, one thing remains certain – Wang Yi will take his place. Known for his charm and directness, Wang has exhibited a particular interest in India, Japan, and Asia as a whole. In contrast, Qin had previously served as China’s ambassador to the US and had staunchly defended China’s aggressive policies in Xinjiang and against Taiwan.

Interestingly, despite Qin’s absence from public engagements since early July, neither India nor any western power can provide a definitive explanation for his removal. This opacity within the Chinese political system is a stark contrast to the information overload that accompanies the dismissal of a minister in democratic countries like India. In India, such dismissals are closely scrutinized by the media and extensively debated in news TV talk shows.

The lack of transparency in China’s decision-making process poses significant challenges for the Quad powers, which include India, in understanding and countering China’s rising influence. Without a clear understanding of how decisions are made in Beijing, it becomes challenging for India and its allies to predict China’s next moves. This unpredictability only strengthens China’s position as a powerful and formidable adversary.

To overcome this challenge, it is crucial for India to invest resources in Beijing that can provide a clearer understanding of the decision-making process within the Xi Jinping regime. Without this insight, India and its allies will continue to be caught off guard by President Xi Jinping and the Chinese regime’s unexpected actions.

As the world grapples with the enigma of China’s political system, it is imperative for countries like India to seek answers to historical events that have shaped their relationship with China. Questions such as who made the decision to invade India in 1962, the political reasons behind the People’s Liberation Army’s aggression in Pangong Tso in May 2020, and the internal factors leading to intrusions on the Doklam plateau in 2017 remain unanswered. Gaining clarity on these events will provide valuable insights into China’s decision-making process and help democratic nations navigate their relationship with a rising Beijing.

In a world where transparency is valued and information is readily available, the opacity of the Chinese system presents a unique challenge. By striving to unveil the secrets of China’s decision-making process, India and its allies can better understand and respond to the actions of President Xi Jinping and the Chinese regime.