Latest news with #Oxford-educated
NBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- NBC News
Prominent Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao taken for questioning, sources tell Reuters
BEIJING — Senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao, widely seen as a potential foreign minister, was taken away by authorities for questioning in early August, five people familiar with the matter said. Liu, 61, was detained after returning from a work trip to Singapore, South Africa and Algeria, which ended on July 30, according to the sources. His house was searched by authorities in early August, two of the people said. The people did not know why the authorities questioned Liu. They could not be named for safety reasons. Liu's detention was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Liu's detention marks the highest-level disappearance of a diplomat since China ousted its former foreign minister and President Xi Jinping's protégé, Qin Gang, in 2023 following an unexplained public absence. Since 2022, Oxford-educated Liu has led the International Department of the Communist Party, the body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties. His profile remains on the department's website. He was widely viewed by diplomats in Beijing and analysts as a likely candidate to succeed veteran Wang Yi as foreign minister but was not promoted to the role in a recent annual government reshuffle. 'If true, Liu Jianchao's downfall will lead to further power vacuum at the top of China's foreign affairs portfolio,' said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. 'It removes a frontrunner to succeed Wang Yi and deprives China of a potential next steward for China's foreign policy.' China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for the Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party International Department did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. At an annual forum at Beijing's Tsinghua University in early July, Liu said he was optimistic about the future of U.S.-China relations and that it was 'unimaginable that China and the U.S. will ever go to war.' Liu was known for the unusual frequency and intensity of his overseas travel, unlike his more low-profile predecessors. Foreign diplomats in Beijing praised his confident and relaxed manner, fluent English and ability to engage spontaneously without pre-prepared talking points. 'He knows how to shape Chinese narratives in a way that's engaging and appealing to foreigners,' said one who met him in late 2023. Another diplomat who met his aides around that time said they were very confident that he would soon be promoted to foreign minister. During a high-profile 2024 trip to the United States, which was widely viewed by analysts as a foreign minister trial run, he met a wide range of counterparts, including then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Born in the northeastern province of Jilin, Liu majored in English at Beijing Foreign Studies University and studied international relations at Oxford before taking up his first post as a translator with the foreign ministry. He has served in China's mission to Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines. Unusually for a Chinese diplomat, he served two successive postings in China's anti-corruption bureaucracy between 2015 and 2018, when he helped track down corrupt officials who fled overseas. During his time as ministry spokesman, he was known for humorous, spontaneous comments while making a robust defense of China's position. A person familiar with China's foreign ministry said that Liu was liked and well respected by Chinese diplomats for his outstanding ability and warm, friendly demeanor.
Reuters
a day ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Prominent Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao taken for questioning, sources say
BEIJING, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao, widely seen as a potential foreign minister, was taken away by authorities for questioning in early August, five people familiar with the matter said. Liu, 61, was detained after returning from a work trip to Singapore, South Africa and Algeria, which ended on July 30, according to the sources. His house was searched by authorities in early August, two of the people said. The people did not know why the authorities questioned Liu. They could not be named for safety reasons. Liu's detention was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Liu's detention marks the highest-level disappearance of a diplomat since China ousted its former foreign minister and President Xi Jinping's protégé, Qin Gang, in 2023 following an unexplained public absence. Since 2022, Oxford-educated Liu has led the International Department of the Communist Party, the body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties. His profile remains on the department's website. He was widely viewed by diplomats in Beijing and analysts as a likely candidate to succeed veteran Wang Yi as foreign minister but was not promoted to the role at a recent annual government reshuffle. "If true, Liu Jianchao's downfall will lead to further power vacuum at the top of China's foreign affairs portfolio," said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. "It removes a frontrunner to succeed Wang Yi and deprives China of a potential next steward for China's foreign policy." China's State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for the Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party International Department did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. At an annual forum at Beijing's Tsinghua University in early July, Liu said he was optimistic about the future of U.S.-China relations and that it was "unimaginable that China and the U.S. will ever go to war". Liu was known for the unusual frequency and intensity of his overseas travel unlike his more low-profile predecessors. Foreign diplomats in Beijing praised his confident and relaxed manner, fluent English and ability to engage spontaneously without pre-prepared talking points. "He knows how to shape Chinese narratives in a way that's engaging and appealing to foreigners," said one who met him in late 2023. Another diplomat who met his aides around that time said they were very confident that he would soon be promoted to foreign minister. During a high-profile 2024 trip to the United States, which was widely viewed by analysts as a foreign minister trial run, he met a wide range of counterparts, including then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Born in the northeastern province of Jilin, Liu majored in English at Beijing Foreign Studies University and studied international relations at Oxford before taking up his first post as a translator with the foreign ministry. He has served in China's mission to Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines. Unusually for a Chinese diplomat, he served two successive postings in China's anti-corruption bureaucracy between 2015 and 2018, when he helped track down corrupt officials who fled overseas. During his time as ministry spokesman, he was known for humorous, spontaneous comments while making a robust defence of China's position. A person familiar with China's foreign ministry said that Liu was liked and well-respected by Chinese diplomats for his outstanding ability and warm, friendly demeanour.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Prominent Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao taken in for questioning, sources say
Since 2022 Oxford-educated Liu has led the international department of the Communist Party, the body in charge of managing ties with foreign political parties. His profile remains on the department's website. He was widely viewed by diplomats in Beijing and analysts as a likely candidate to succeed veteran Wang Yi as foreign minister but was not promoted to the role in a recent annual government reshuffle. 'If true, Liu Jianchao's downfall will lead to further power vacuum at the top of China's foreign affairs portfolio,' said Wen-Ti Sung, a fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub. 'It removes a front-runner to succeed Wang Yi and deprives China of a potential next steward for China's foreign policy.' China's state council information office, which handles media queries for the government, and the Chinese Communist Party international department did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. At an annual forum at Beijing's Tsinghua University in early July, Liu said he was optimistic about the future of US-China relations and it was 'unimaginable that China and the US will ever go to war'. Liu was known for the unusual frequency and intensity of his overseas travel, unlike his more low-profile predecessors. Foreign diplomats in Beijing praised his confident and relaxed manner, fluent English and ability to engage spontaneously without pre-prepared talking points. 'He knows how to shape Chinese narratives in a way that's engaging and appealing to foreigners,' said one who met him in late 2023. Another diplomat who met his aides around that time said they were very confident he would soon be promoted to foreign minister. During a high-profile 2024 trip to the US, widely viewed by analysts as a foreign minister trial run, he met a wide range of counterparts, including then-secretary of state Antony Blinken. Born in the northeastern province of Jilin, Liu majored in English at Beijing Foreign Studies University and studied international relations at Oxford before taking up his first post as a translator with the foreign ministry. He has served in China's mission to Britain and later as ambassador to Indonesia and the Philippines. Unusually for a Chinese diplomat, he served two successive postings in China's anti-corruption bureaucracy between 2015 and 2018, when he helped track down corrupt officials who fled overseas. During his time as ministry spokesperson, he was known for humorous, spontaneous comments while making a robust defence of China's position. A person familiar with China's foreign ministry said Liu was liked and well-respected by Chinese diplomats for his ability and warm, friendly demeanour.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ashoka University professor row: Supreme Court questions Haryana SIT over FIRs against Ali Khan Mahmudabad; relaxes bail conditions
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Haryana Special Investigation Team (SIT) for allegedly expanding the scope of its probe against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who is facing two FIRs for online posts during Operation Sindoor . A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta asked the SIT to confine its investigation strictly to the two FIRs registered against the professor and complete the probe within four weeks. "Do not try to expand the scope of the FIRs. SIT is free to form its opinion, but do not deviate from the task," the bench said. The court also questioned the SIT's decision to seize Mahmudabad's electronic devices, remarking that the agency appeared to have 'misdirected itself.' It further instructed the SIT to submit a copy of its investigation report after filing it before the jurisdictional court. In a relief to Mahmudabad, the apex court relaxed one of his bail conditions, allowing him to write articles and share opinions as long as they do not relate to matters that are sub judice or under investigation in the two FIRs. 'He can write anything except on the specific matters mentioned in the FIRs,' the court said. This comes weeks after the court extended Mahmudabad's interim bail till the third week of July, while maintaining a gag order on writing about the issues linked to the FIRs. At the May 29 hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mahmudabad, had pleaded for the gag order to be lifted, saying, 'He is an Oxford-educated mature person. He knows where he landed because of the writings. I am beseeching you to delete the condition. ' The court, however, had declined the request at the time, stating it did not want a 'parallel commentary' on the investigation. Mahmudabad was arrested earlier this year for allegedly posting objectionable content on social media related to Operation Sindoor, which led to the registration of two FIRs against him. The Haryana SIT comprises three senior IPS officers: ADGP Mamta Singh, SP Karnal Ganga Ram Punia, and SP STF (Gurgaon) Vikrant Bhushan.
Business Insider
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
What's next for Grady Marin as he expands his Vision from business to public service
Grady Marin, the founder of Ohio-based record retrieval powerhouse The Records Company, is no stranger to reinvention. Over the past decade, he and his team have transformed a niche service into a national enterprise processing over one million legal and medical records. Now, the Harvard- and Oxford-educated entrepreneur is preparing for his most ambitious pivot yet: a shift from corporate leadership to public service. This transition, rooted in Marin's lifelong ethos of turning 'nos into yeses,' raises critical questions about how his business acumen and personal philosophy will translate to civic impact. From Small-Town Roots to National Disruption Marin's journey began in rural Ohio, where financial instability and familial adversity forged his resilience. After funding his education through multiple jobs, he earned advanced degrees in business administration and most recently completed Harvard's prestigious Owner/President Management (OPM) program. These credentials, combined with his federally licensed Enrolled Agent status with the IRS, positioned him as an unconventional leader in the record retrieval industry. The Records Company, launched in 2013 by Grady Marin alongside Agata Zachary and later joined by Laura Elam, became Marin's proving ground. With its 24/7 operation, tech-based record retrieval systems, and U.S.-based teams, the company achieved a 14-day turnaround time, starkly contrasting with competitors' 21-day average. Education as a Bridge to Public Service Marin's investment in education has always been about more than collecting credentials. After graduating from Harvard's Owner/President Management (OPM) program in April 2025, Marin described the experience as 'a threshold. A final crossing from who I've been to who I'm willing to become.' For him, each academic pursuit is a deliberate step toward growth, not only for himself but for those around him, both in business and in public service. Marin has sought out programs at institutions like Oxford's Saïd Business School, where he studied negotiation and competitive decision-making, to gain practical skills and fresh perspectives directly applicable to policy and leadership. His recent recognition as an Honorary Professional Doctorate awardee from Azteca University in Mexico City and the European International University in Paris, France, further reflects his commitment to continued learning and global engagement. However, what sets Marin apart is his intention behind these educational investments. He views each classroom, workshop, and cohort as an opportunity to learn from other like-minded leaders, share his experiences, and absorb new skills and methodologies. This approach is not just about personal development; it is about building a foundation for collective progress. Marin believes that by connecting with peers from diverse backgrounds, he can bring back best practices and innovative ideas to The Records Company, ensuring its continued evolution and relevance. Policy, Equity, and the Power of Place Marin's policy interests reflect his personal journey. He advocates for standardized digital record laws to streamline access to critical information, a cause he championed during the pandemic when FEMA adopted his company's remote retrieval protocols. He is also committed to rural revitalization, partnering with underserved communities to create jobs and provide training through his nonprofit, The Reintegration Foundation. 'People's potential is not dictated by their zip code,' Marin says. His foundation focuses on job training and support for those affected by poverty and mental illness—an echo of his own family's struggles. Marin's approach to public service is pragmatic and inclusive, grounded in the idea that everyone deserves a seat at the table and a chance to contribute. A Vision for Collective Progress Marin's next chapter is defined by a call to action: to harness the power of collective work and ensure that progress is shared. He plans to focus on civic tech, regulatory innovation, mental health policy, and rural broadband access—issues that intersect with his business experience and personal history. 'Public service isn't just government work. It's showing up where systems fail and building bridges others won't. It is everyone's work. Let us do it together,' Marin says. He believes the solutions to society's biggest challenges will come from collaboration between public and private sectors, urban and rural America, and across lines of class and circumstance. Grady's Legacy in Motion At 42, Grady Marin is still driven by the lessons of his youth: that adversity can be a source of strength, and that the limits of their beginnings should define no one. 'The ultimate measure isn't profits. It's how many lives we make better by refusing to accept 'no' as the final answer,' he mentions. As he prepares to cross his new path, from business to public service, Marin's message is clear: progress is possible when people work together, and the American promise is alive wherever aspiration is met with action. For Grady Marin, the next frontier is not just personal achievement, but the collective advancement of communities—proof that, in his words, 'aspiration becomes reality when we put in the hard work together.'
