Chinese Diplomat at Center of 'Hands in Pockets' Controversy Appointed as Ambassador to Australia

▲ Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Australia Liu Jinsong (left)

The former head of the Asian Affairs Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who sparked controversy last year after being seen with both hands in his pockets during a meeting with a Japanese diplomat, has taken up a new post as the Chinese ambassador to Australia.

The Chinese Embassy in Australia announced on the 24th (local time) that newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Australia Liu Jinsong (54) arrived in Australia on an Air China flight that afternoon to assume his duties.

In a written speech released upon his arrival in Australia, Ambassador Liu said, "Both our countries and the world are undergoing profound changes unseen in a century," adding, "China and Australia's interests are more deeply intertwined, people-to-people and cultural exchanges are closer, and there are more challenges to address."

He went on to emphasize, "There are no historical grievances or fundamental conflicts of interest between our two countries," noting, "Economically, we are highly complementary, and the prospects for cooperation are promising."

He also stated, "Chinese President Xi Jinping has dedicated great effort and charted the course for China-Australia relations," adding, "Representing President Xi, I will serve as a guardian and promoter of our comprehensive strategic partnership."

Born in Zhejiang Province, China, Ambassador Liu grew up in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China.

He previously served as the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan and as the Director-General of the Asian Affairs Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Last year, amid heightened tensions between China and Japan over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi implying potential intervention in a Taiwan contingency, Liu drew attention when he was captured meeting with Kanai Masaaki, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beijing with both hands in his pockets and appearing to look down at the Japanese representative.

In particular, Chinese state media released video footage showing Liu standing with a stern expression while Kanai appeared to bow his head, prompting speculation that the posture was intentionally exposed to flaunt diplomatic dominance.

Some circles in Japan have dubbed him the "hands-in-pockets diplomat" and categorized him as a hardliner against Japan.

(Photo: Captured from the website of the Chinese Embassy in Australia, Yonhap News)

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