China’s man in Washington Cui Tiankai heads for home after eight years as envoy
- Foreign vice-minister Qin Gang tipped to replace the diplomat known for his relatively moderate stance
- In farewell message Cui calls on overseas Chinese to play ‘key role’ in US-China relations
Cui leaves his post at a difficult time in China-US relations, as the Biden administration works to repair its alliances and pushes for greater coordination against Beijing, particularly on human rights and trade.
In a departing message, Cui wrote on Tuesday morning that he would be returning to China after serving as its top envoy in the US since April 2013.
He called on overseas Chinese in the US to play a key role in stabilising relations between Beijing and Washington, as the Biden administration reviews and shapes its China policy.
“China-US relations are at a critical crossroads, with the US engaging in a new round of restructuring in its government policy towards China, and it is facing a choice between cooperation and confrontation,” he said.
“At this moment, overseas Chinese in the US have to shoulder a greater responsibility and mission, and I hope you will defend your right to be in the US and to develop your own interests, with the starting point of helping to safeguard the fundamental interests of the people in China and the US.”