Sun was the first woman to serve as vice minister of the Communist Party’s International Department.
In its earlier report, Reuters said none of the sources knew the basis of the questioning of either Sun or Liu. The sources requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Liu’s detention marked the highest-level disappearance of a diplomat since China ousted its former foreign minister and President Xi Jinping’s protege, Qin Gang, in 2023, following an unexplained public absence.
His detention followed a work trip to Singapore, South Africa and Algeria. His house was searched in early August.
China’s State Council Information Office, which handles media queries for the government, and the International Department did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
In its earlier report, Reuters said it could not verify if both Sun and Liu were still being detained. Neither could be reached for comment.
Both their profiles remain on the International Department’s website.
Among Sun’s recent public appearances was on Aug 1, when CNA saw her in person at a reception hosted by Singapore’s embassy in Beijing.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-sun-haiyan-former-ambassador-singapore-detained-liu-jianchao-5296196
