China Replaces Tech Minister Amid Disappearance

China has appointed Li Lecheng as the new minister of industry and information technology, officially replacing Jin Zhuanglong, who has not made any public appearances in approximately two months. The ministry confirmed this leadership change on Friday, adding to a series of unexplained absences among high-ranking Chinese officials.

Jin’s prolonged public absence has generated speculation about a possible investigation, though Chinese authorities have not provided any explanation for the leadership change. This shift comes at a critical time when China is intensifying efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in semiconductor technology and artificial intelligence, raising questions about stability in the leadership of China’s technology sector.

This case bears similarities to previous instances of senior officials suddenly disappearing from public view, including former Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Defense Minister Li Shangfu, whose absences were also never officially explained.