Beijing appoints former ambassador Cui Jianchun as nation’s top diplomat in Hong Kong
- Decision marks end to position’s vacancy since July of last year, when former incumbent Liu Guangyuan was transferred to Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong
- Cui previously served as China’s ambassador to Nigeria, as well as Guyana and Kuwait
Beijing has appointed former ambassador Cui Jianchun as the nation’s top diplomat in Hong Kong, filling a post that has been vacant since last July, with an analyst saying the move signals a lesser need for the city-based office-holder to engage with the West.
Cui’s appointment as commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong was announced by Xinhua news agency on Wednesday.
The position had been left vacant for months after Liu Guangyuan was transferred to Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong to serve as deputy director.
Deputy commissioner Li Yongsheng had temporarily taken on the top role since last September, attending an event held by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on Monday as acting commissioner.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu welcomed Cui’s appointment.
“As a veteran diplomat, Mr Cui Jianchun has significant experience in overseas assignments,” he said.
“[I] firmly believe that under Mr Cui’s leadership, the [commissioner’s office] will continue to work closely with the [Hong Kong] government in taking forward different areas of work.”