China's yet-to-be-announced new ambassador to the United States, 55-year old Qin Gang, left for Washington on July 27, amid worsening relations between the world's two largest economies. He issued a statement (July 29) on arrival to the represented by the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, CCTV, CGTN, Phoenix TV, Reuters, CBS News and National Public Radio. Referring to Henry Kissinger's secret visit fifty years ago, Qin Gang said as the 11th Chinese Ambassador to the United States, "I believe that the door of China-U.S. relations, which is already open, cannot be closed. This is the trend of the world, the call of the times, and the will of the people". He added "The world today is going through major changes unseen in a century. As two big countries different in history, culture, social system and development stage, China and the United States are entering a new round of mutual exploration, understanding and adaptation, trying to find a way to get along with each other in the new era. The China-U.S. relationship has once again come to a new critical juncture". He concluded by wishing "the country an early victory against the pandemic, and I wish the American people all the best". 

(COMMENT: Qin Gang was born in Tianjin and is married and has a son. He studied in the University of International Relations. Qin Gang was China's Vice Foreign Minister from 2018 to 2021. His recent past portfolios have included European affairs and protocol. He has no prior US-related experience. Qin Gang has done three stints in the UK (Third Secretary: 1995-99; Counsellor: 2002-2005; and Minister 2010-2011). He was Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman between 2006 and 2014, and stood out among his peers for being one of the earliest Chinese diplomats to make sharp comments in defence of China.  Associate Professor Li Mingjiang of Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said "It will take some time for Mr Qin to build up his network of contacts in the political, security and diplomacy circles in the United States."