Foreign and Military Affairs

No word on top envoy to the US; other names approved

By Qin Jize and Cai Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-11 07:57

Zhang Yesui, former envoy to UN, may hold crucial job, sources say

BEIJING: China formally approved key ambassadorial appointments, announced earlier, on Tuesday, but speculation continues over who will represent the nation at Washington.

President Hu Jintao formally appointed new ambassadors to London, Tokyo, Pyongyang, the UN office in Geneva and the United Nations on Tuesday.

Although there was no official announcement on the top envoy to the US, reliable sources told China Daily that Zhang Yesui, the recently retired Chinese permanent representative to the UN, would take up the crucial job.

Unlike his predecessor Zhou Wenzhong, who spent much of his career focused on American affairs, Zhang's diplomatic life has mostly revolved around representing China at international organizations and conferences.

Zhang is expected to take up the role at a time when bilateral ties have been strained over issues ranging from Taiwan and Tibet to bilateral trade.

The Wall Street Journal described Zhang as a sophisticated, nuanced diplomat who has effectively represented China's interests at the UN.

Prior to his appointment as head of China's UN mission in 2008, Zhang served as a vice-foreign minister from 2003 with areas of responsibility including policy research, arms control, international treaties and Western Europe issues.

Zhang and his wife Chen Naiqing were appointed to the UN mission from 1988 to 1992. Chen had served as an envoy on Korean affairs for a year and half before going to New York with her husband.

Cheng Yonghua, the former ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK), has been appointed as the ambassador to Japan, and speculation about his possible successor has become a hot topic for the ROK media.

ROK's Global TV quoted sources as saying that Zhang Xinsen, the director of the general office of the Foreign Ministry, is likely to be the new ambassador to the ROK.

It said the Chinese government had sought Seoul's approval for the appointment and it is believed that Zhang's official appointment would likely be announced soon.

Zhang, 57, was the Chinese ambassador to Ireland from 2005 to 2007. It has been reported that Zhang speaks fluent English but hardly any Korean.

Analysts said the new round of appointments show that China's diplomacy has become more mature, and the diplomats, characterized by their personal charm, have made a great impact in international relations.

Professor Sun Zhe of Tsinghua University said diplomats are usually required to have higher qualifications.

They should improve their capabilities in economy, finance, crisis management and communication, he said. "After the financial crisis, it has become increasingly important for diplomats to have knowledge of financial matters," Sun said.

He said diplomats should learn to strike a balance between being advocates of official government policies and listening to the concerns of foreign governments and businesses.

Tan Yingzi in Washington contributed to this story