The new Chinese ambassador to the US signals a break in tradition

A considered inexperienced Chinese diplomat is expected to become the new ambassador to Washington. Observers believe that such a change can change the tone and nuance of the bilateral relationship.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qin Cuong. (Photo: Xinhua) Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Qin Cuong is said to be preparing luggage to go to Washington to replace Cui Thien Khai, a veteran diplomat who is about to finish his job after more than 8 years in the position. The information that Mr. Tan Cuong moved to the US appeared earlier this year when Mr. Thoi, 68 years old, was about to retire. The reports say that Cui is being asked to work a few more months for Beijing to consider how to deal with the new US administration of President Joe Biden and to choose Cui’s successor. Only 55 years old this year, Mr. Tan Cuong is the youngest of the four deputy foreign ministers to assist Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Moving up from the position of Head of the Reception Department, Mr. Qin was in charge of the schedule of Chinese President Xi Jinping during all state visits and was responsible for organizing talks, receptions, and events. Other receptionist activities. Mr. Qin is repeatedly seen accompanying Xi on tours, including visits to the US in 2015 and 2017. Articles say that Mr. Tan’s meticulousness in managing and arranging visitors Inviting to help ensure few incidents occur outside of a diplomatic scenario when Xi visits countries. Mr. Qin was also a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, praised by Chinese netizens for his tough and straightforward speech. With that style, Mr. Qin is often indecisive in speech that harshly criticizes the US and the West. The official’s tough statements come before the emergence of “warrior diplomacy”. In a 2014 press event, after then-US President Barack Obama ended his visit to Asian allies and reportedly turned down Beijing’s invitation, Mr. Qin was known for his statement that China Quoc will remain there and hold his stance whether the US president visits or not. “We would welcome (Mr. Obama) to visit China, but being friendly to the US in exchange for a visit is the last thing Beijing will do and the US should give up all delusions,” said Mr. Tan, during the second relationship. The country is not as tense as it was during the Trump era. In the current role of deputy foreign minister, Mr. Tan is in charge of both EU affairs and relations with each member of the bloc. He worked in the Chinese Embassy in London from 2010-2011. Mr. Qin is considered the “rising star” of Chinese diplomacy, especially trusted by Mr. Xi for his achievements on the diplomatic front. A cultural attaché at the Chinese embassy in Mexico City and formerly with the Americas Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Mr. Qin was one of the few candidates selected to fill the ambassadorial positions. in the US, UK and United Nations. The attaché said that it was not known whether Mr. Tan’s lack of experience with the US would be a plus or a minus point. “The delay in Beijing’s delay in bringing Mr. Qin to Washington could be a sign that no official decision has been made yet, given the fact that Mr. Qin rarely engages in Chinese-US interactions.” in addition to arranging Xi’s two state visits to Washington, “the diplomat said, who did not want to be identified. “The current ambassador and former ambassadors of China to the US are both senior and experienced officials, possibly the Director of the North American Department or a veteran of Sino-US relations, but he Qin is not like that and his appointment as an ambassador to the US will disrupt tradition, “the diplomat said. If Mr. Qin is to truly become Beijing’s most important relations manager, this would be a change in Xi’s overall thinking about relations with the United States and how the leader is, the diplomat said. convey the message. Appointing Mr. Tan to Washington should also not be understood as downgrading relations with the United States, because Mr. Tan still holds the rank of deputy minister, the diplomat said. Beijing’s appointment of Zheng Zeguang, who worked in the US for many years, as head of the embassy in London, is seen as a sign that China is looking to turn diplomats around. Minh Bao , the Chinese-language newspaper, speculates that the appointment of Mr. Zheng and possibly Mr. Qin suggests that knowledge and experience may no longer be the most important factor, but the focus is now on those who have witnessed. demonstrated the ability to implement policies and directives from Beijing. Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official and now professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore, told reporters that Cui, the outgoing ambassador, has acted as a diplomatic buffer amid US tensions – Trung surged in the past few years. “It is difficult to find anyone who underestimates Mr. Cui in Washington DC,” Mr. Thompson said. He wondered whether Mr. Qin, a man who often had a tough tone and had a close relationship with Xi, was judged like this in Washington, during a period when the relationship continued to deteriorate.