China: Qin Gang new ambassador to Washington on a reconciliation mission without too many concessions
This photo taken on December 25, 2013 shows Qin Gang, then director of China's Foreign Ministry's Information Department, speaking at an event in Beijing.
Qin Gang was announced on July 28, 2021 as his country's new ambassador to the United States.
© AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
China's new Ambassador to the White House has arrived in the United States.
Former Deputy Foreign Minister renowned for his intransigence, Qin Gang's mission is to put back on track the "
deadlocked
" relations - by the Chinese themselves - between the two leading world powers.
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With our correspondent in Beijing,
Stéphane Lagarde
It was used to microphones, while his appointment was not yet officially confirmed, that Qin Gang presented himself to the American press.
In Mandarin, then in English, the one who was the youngest vice-minister of foreign affairs of China begins by recalling the secret visit of Henri Kissinger to Beijing, 50 years ago.
The beginnings of standardization, but today times have changed.
Relations between Beijing and Washington have never been so strained.
“
The relationship between China and the United States has reached a new turning point.
They face many difficulties and challenges, but also great opportunities and great potential,
”Qin Gang said.
WATCH LIVE: China's new Ambassador to the US
Qin Gang, the new Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the US has arrived to assume the office.
https://t.co/kc9IALfYJ9
- CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) July 28, 2021
Reconcile, but without concessions
Renowned for his keen sense of repartee, when he was spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang was one of the first to have practiced the aggressive tone of those now called "
wolves fighters ”of Chinese diplomacy.
Striking words, coated with a London elegance, the new ambassador will have to surf between the nationalism of a demanding and uncompromising China, and the desire to appease an America which considers Beijing as a threat to world order.
In other words, a mission of reconciliation, without making too many concessions.
►Also read: China will appoint a new ambassador to the United States, close to Xi Jinping
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