CHINA> Photo
Spokeswoman figures in politics pageant poll
By Li Xiaokun and Wang Linyan (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-27 11:14

Mercedes Araoz  Age: 47, PERU
Ranking NO.2
Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism

Shepin, who has worked in Beijing for five years, was there when Jiang made her debut as spokeswoman.

"At that time, she was a little bit shy ... It's a huge responsibility to be a spokeswoman but she's always smiling. It's easy for people to get along with her," he said. The reporter especially appreciated Jiang's help during the Beijing Olympics last summer. "She was kind-hearted and open-minded, that's why I really like her," he said.

Maria Chaplygina, Shepin's colleague, said Jiang deserves her latest accolade.

"When I first saw her, I felt Jiang was the kind of person who could represent a country. It's not easy for a woman as she always has to deal with tough questions, but she's always confident and careful," said Chaplygina, who has known Jiang for two years.

"She's a pretty woman with taste," Chaplygina said.

One of Jiang's colleagues at the information department, who declined to be named, told China Daily yesterday that Jiang seldom wears the same clothes to the regular press briefings.

"She picks and matches the clothes herself. My female colleagues often talk about the way she is dressed," he said.

Qi Bin, a diplomatic correspondent of China News Agency, said Jiang is a symbol of Eastern beauty.

"But sometimes she also shows up in modern style at unofficial occasions," he said.

"China is famous for its lady politicians," Shepin said. "After vice-premier Wu Yi retired, people are talking more and more about Jiang Yu," he said.