China criticises ‘malicious hype’ over Qin Gang disappearance

Qin Gang takes an oath during a session of China's National People's Congress in March. Photograph: Andy Wong/AP

China’s ministry of foreign affairs has labelled speculation over the whereabouts of Qin Gang as “malicious hype” while continuing to refuse further details about the missing former foreign minister.

At a daily press conference in Beijing, the ministry’s spokesperson, Mao Ning, said China had released information about Qin “in a timely manner”. “We consistently oppose malicious hype of this matter,” she said.