AMN/ WEB DESK

China’s ambassador to the US, Qin Gang has been appointed as the country’s new foreign minister.

Chinese state media Global Times reported that the decision was made by the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee yesterday, December 30. 56-year Qin is replacing Wang Yi, who is now a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and State Councilor.

Qin, 56, replaces Wang Yi, who has been foreign minister for the past decade. Wang, 69, was promoted to the politburo of the Chinese Communist Party in October and is expected to play a bigger role in Chinese foreign policy.

In solving challenges common to all of mankind, China’s diplomacy will offer “Chinese wisdom, Chinese initiatives and Chinese strength”, Qin said in his first comments as foreign minister in a statement posted on his ministry’s website.