China names new foreign minister Yang Jiechi: Xinhua

Beijing, Apr 27: China has appointed Yang Jiechi, a former ambassador to Washington, as foreign minister, replacing veteran diplomat Li Zhaoxing, the official Xinhua news agency reported today.

Yang is a vice minister who speaks smooth English and served as ambassador to the United States.

The brief report gave no explanation for Li's retirement, but he was widely expected to leave his post before or during a national parliamentary session next year.

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