On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, Mr. Xie Feng, the recently appointed Chinese Ambassador to the United States, arrived in New York City with the objective of safeguarding China’s interests and fostering constructive dialogue with the U.S. Mr. Feng was former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and will succeed Mr. Qin Gang, a highly experienced diplomat who stepped down from his position as Ambassador in January and has since been appointed as the new Chinese Foreign Minister.
Ambassador Feng is anticipated to face significant diplomatic pressures in light of the deepening thaw in U.S.-China relations, which have reached an unprecedented level not seen in over 45 years.
In November 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened in Bali, Indonesia, to discuss pertinent issues. Since their meeting, relations have further strained due to the impasse concerning spy balloons and the Taiwan question, intensifying the dynamics between the two nations.
Mr. Feng is highly aware of these challenges and will resolutely resume his duties as the Chinese envoy in Washington. Earlier this week, he voiced his stance on the deteriorating relations between Beijing and Washington, urging the United States to engage in constructive dialogue with China to address outstanding economic, political, and military matters.
Mr. Feng said, “I am greatly honored to be appointed by President Xi Jinping as the 12th Chinese Ambassador to the United States.”
“As a representative of the Chinese people, I have come here to safeguard the interests of China, and I take this as my sacred responsibility. As an envoy of the Chinese people, I have come here to enhance China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation, and I take this as my important mission,” he continued.
“At present, the China-U.S. relationship is faced with serious difficulties and challenges. My appointment means to me not only honor but also enormous responsibilities. My colleagues and I will carry out our responsibilities and live up to our mission with diligence and fortitude.”
In order to advance his position, Mr. Feng explained the efforts displayed so far by Chinese President Xi through his well-articulated thrust and principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and coexistence. He described these principles as being at the core of relations between the two countries.
Feng said, “We hope that the United States will move in the same direction as China and act in the common interests of the two peoples and the world, properly handling important and sensitive issues, such as the Taiwan question, in accordance with the principles in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques.”
This was not Mr. Feng’s first assignment in the US. Some 13 years ago, he worked in the US before returning to his country. He reflected on his time back then and how time has altered it. “The world has gone through great changes, and so has the United States”, he said.
