Beijing's top envoy to Washington takes charge

Beijing - Zhang Yesui, the 56-year-old newly appointed Chinese ambassador to the United States, arrived in Washington on Sunday at a time of strained ties between the two countries over issues ranging from arms sales to Taiwan to US President Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Friends and colleagues have described Zhang as a sophisticated diplomat with an eye for detail and a refined dress sense.

"Zhang is quite keen about diplomatic manners and always dresses according to the occasion," a former colleague at the Foreign Ministry, who refused to be quoted by name, told China Daily. "His ties and suits match all the time. I remember once, at a lunch buffet, the lively color and pattern of his tie suited the atmosphere very well."