China Sends Sharp-Tongued Diplomat as Ambassador to U.S.
- Qin Gang arrived in U.S. on Wednesday to replace Cui Tiankai
- Appointment comes as most Americans view China unfavorably
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China dispatched a veteran diplomat known for pushing back against Western criticism to serve as its next ambassador to the U.S., an appointment that suggests Beijing is bracing for a period of prolonged tension with Washington.
Qin Gang, 55, who most recently served as vice foreign minister, arrived in the U.S. Wednesday to fill the post vacated last month by long-time ambassador, Cui Tiankai, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy. He told a press briefing that he would work “to safeguard the foundation of China-U.S. relations, uphold the shared interests of the two peoples, and endeavor to bring China-U.S. relations back on track.”