China is anticipated to appoint a new ambassador to India this month, ending an 18-month vacancy in the crucial post in New Delhi. Xu Feihong, a seasoned diplomat, is reportedly the frontrunner for the position, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Chinese embassy has been without an ambassador since October 2022, marking the longest gap in ambassadorial appointments since 1976. This prolonged vacancy reflects the strained relations between the two countries, primarily due to the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the new Chinese ambassador could assume office before the conclusion of the Indian elections in early June, potentially as early as mid-May.
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There has been no official confirmation from either the Chinese or Indian authorities regarding this matter. The absence of a Chinese ambassador in New Delhi has been deemed by experts as a significant communication gap, particularly during a period of heightened bilateral tensions.
Xu Feihong, approximately 60 years old, currently serves as a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign ministry committee and holds the position of assistant minister of foreign affairs. While he has extensive diplomatic experience, having served as China’s envoy to Afghanistan and Romania, among other countries, he is not considered an expert on India.
The previous Chinese ambassador, Sun Weidong, concluded his term in October 2022 and was subsequently appointed as one of China’s three vice foreign ministers. Despite China appointing new envoys to other key countries like Japan and the US, there had been uncertainty regarding the filling of the ambassadorial post in India.
The Chinese leadership has emphasized the need to prioritize other aspects of the bilateral relationship, such as trade and investment, while downplaying the significance of the military standoff. However, India has maintained that normalizing relations hinges on restoring peace and tranquility along the border, accusing China of violating agreements and protocols.
Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the G20 Summit hosted by India, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. The lack of confirmation from China regarding Xi’s participation in the SCO Summit in July 2023 led to the meeting being held virtually.
The last time there was such a prolonged gap in the appointment of a Chinese ambassador to India was in 1976. During the period between the 1962 border war and the normalization of relations in 1976, the embassy was headed by either a chargé d’affaires or a first secretary. Since Sun Weidong’s departure, the embassy has been led by chargé d’affaires Ma Jia.
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