Envoy to be deputy director at UNESCO

Qu Xing, China's ambassador to Belgium, has been appointed deputy director-general of UNESCO, an official at the embassy said on Thursday. Qu becomes another Chinese who has secured a prominent position in an international organization as the country gains a greater global presence.

The appointment was made by Audrey Azoulay, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, according to the official, who asked not to be named. UNESCO, based in Paris, had not commented by press time.

Qu, a scholar-turned-diplomat, was continuing his role as ambassador, the official said.