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Diplomacy
ChinaDiplomacy

Communist Party diplomat Liu Jianchao steps up role in China’s foreign policy drive

  • Liu’s 18 months as head of the international department marked by overseas visits and a willingness to weigh in on global affairs
  • Observers said the veteran diplomat is ‘well-suited’ to supporting Beijing’s diplomatic task of easing tensions with the US and its allies

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Shi Jiangtao
As Beijing grapples with a new reality of growing international scrutiny and resistance, the Communist Party’s diplomatic arm under veteran diplomat Liu Jianchao has become increasingly active in bolstering the country’s image abroad.
Traditionally responsible for China’s ties with other socialist countries, the party’s international liaison department has been taking a more frontline position in courting ties with foreign parties and governments.

Since taking the helm in June last year, Liu has toured Asia, Europe and Africa. He has also met more than 200 foreign dignitaries and diplomats in Beijing, including two meetings this year with Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China.

It is a significant step up for the ministerial-level agency, which usually concentrates on intraparty relations and fellow socialist countries such as North Korea and Vietnam, leaving state-to-state diplomacy to the foreign affairs ministry.

But with China locked in an acrimonious cold war-style confrontation with the US and its Western allies, Liu’s department has taken on a greater role in helping to foster a more benign international environment for the country.

Liu Jianchao. Photo: AP
Liu Jianchao. Photo: AP

Observers described Liu, 59, as a trusted aide to Xi. They generally spoke positively of his high-profile engagement and activities.

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