Chinese president appoints new ambassador to United States

BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao has appointed a new ambassador in line with the decision by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

Zhang Yesui was appointed ambassador to the United States, replacing Zhou Wenzhong.

Zhang Yesui, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

Area of responsibilities: policy research, foreign affairs related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan

Born in Hubei Province in October 1953. University graduate.

1975-1976 Studied at London School of Economics, the United Kingdom

1976-1982 Staff member and attaché, Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom

1982-1988 Third Secretary, Deputy Office Director, First Secretary, Department of International Organizations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

1988-1992 First Secretary, Counselor, Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations

1992-1996 Counselor, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Organizations and Conferences, MFA

1996-2000 Director-General, Protocol Department, MFA

2000-2003 Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs.

2003- Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Married with a daughter.