China's former ambassador to Japan, Wang Yi, was formally appointed a vice-foreign minister yesterday in the latest reshuffle of government positions in the run-up to the Communist Party's 17th National Party Congress next month.
Political analysts suggested that the recent appointments of a number of vice-ministers - who are expected to take over their respective ministries eventually - were part of the usual arrangements ahead of the crucial party congress, when a reshuffle of the nation's key leadership is expected.
Mr Wang, 54, had been China's ambassador to Japan since September 2004.
His post will be taken over by Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai .
Mr Wang's appointment was reported in a brief statement on the State Council's website. According to a report by The Beijing News, Mr Wang was also made the ministry's party secretary, indicating he could become the first vice-minister, taking over from Dai Bingguo .
'The recent series of appointments of vice-ministers reflect some of the reshuffles in government positions at the coming party congress,' said Liu Xutao, professor of public policy at the National School of Administration.