Chen Deming - the next face of China's international trade relations?
The accuracy of an official's title is an issue of utmost importance, and at times of confusion in the mainland's bureaucracy, as illustrated yesterday by a self-clarification from the former vice-chief of the National Development and Reform Commission, Chen Deming.
Mr Chen took the first chance he had to clarify to the media on the sidelines of the Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue that his title was still 'vice-minister for commerce', despite references to him as 'minister' in official mainland documents for the talks.
The 'minister' references took many by surprise because no formal announcement had been made.
He is widely expected to assume the position of minister, in view of the timing of his transfer from the National Development and Reform Commission to the Ministry of Commerce.
Less than two weeks ago, on the same day that former commerce minister Bo Xilai was transferred to take the reins of Chongqing, it was announced that Mr Chen was to be a vice-minister for commerce, who in reality would be running the ministry.