"After International Liaison Department Head, Deputy Also Arrested in China"

by Seo Miteum

Published 15 Aug.2025 17:17(KST)

After Liu Jianchao, Head of the International Liaison Department,
Deputy Head Sun Haiyan Also Reportedly Detained

Major international media outlets have reported that following the detention of the head of the International Liaison Department, who was considered a likely candidate for China's next foreign minister, the department's deputy head has also been arrested.

Sun Haiyan, Deputy Head of the International Liaison Department. Screenshot from the Chinese Communist Party International Liaison Department website.

According to reports, Sun Haiyan, 53, Deputy Head (vice-ministerial level) of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department, was detained earlier this month at the same time as Liu Jianchao, 61, the department's head (ministerial level), was taken into custody.

Sun Haiyan was the first woman to be appointed as deputy head of the International Liaison Department, and it is reported that her detention is related to matters involving Liu. However, sources stated that the specific grounds for the investigation into both individuals have not been disclosed.

Reuters pointed out that as tensions with the United States rise due to trade issues and strategic rivalry, the disappearance from public view of these two officials-both of whom had been active internationally-has heightened questions about China's diplomatic elite.

Previously, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on August 9, citing anonymous sources, that Liu was detained and under investigation. Since 2022, he has overseen relations with foreign political parties and socialist countries. Before his detention, he made official visits as head of the International Liaison Department to Singapore, South Africa, and Algeria. Last year, he also visited Washington, DC, and New York in the United States.