China reshuffles naming General Wei Fenghe as defence minister and Wang Yi as state councillor
China government reshuffles naming General Wei Fenghe as defence minister and Wang Yi as state councillor
Beijing, China: China on Monday elevated the status of its current foreign minister and selected a new defence minister as the country deals with rocky relations with the United States and expands its military.
The rubber-stamp National People's Congress endorsed the appointment of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, 64, as state councillor, making him a ranking member of the country's "cabinet".
He replaces Yang Jiechi, China's former top diplomat, who was tipped for a leading role in managing Beijing's increasingly uncertain relations with the US under President Donald Trump.
While Yang was known for his good relationships with former US officials, it is unclear what advantages Wang, who was once ambassador to Japan, would have for handling the sensitive relationship at a time of growing trade tensions.
China's chief diplomat also faces ongoing regional maritime disputes in the South China Sea, with Beijing facing criticism over its construction of artificial islands capable of hosting military equipment.
Monday's government reshuffle included the naming of General Wei Fenghe, 64, as minister of defence.
Commerce Minister Zhong Shan was kept at his post and faces the tough task of dealing with a potential trade war with the United States.