Foreign Minister Qin Gang's sudden disappearance from public view and removal from the Chinese foreign ministry's website has sparked speculation about his fate and the reasons behind his removal.

While the ministry initially cited health reasons, experts and analysts doubt this explanation, pointing to the unusual and abrupt nature of his departure.

Qin's quick rise in the ranks, from chief protocol officer to U.S. ambassador to foreign minister, has raised questions about his close relationship with President Xi Jinping.

Some experts believe that Qin's removal reflects the vulnerabilities of Xi's one-man politics and the consolidation of loyalty among party members.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Qin's removal, a portrait of him still remains at the Chinese embassy in Washington, suggesting that his removal may not be entirely final.