Chinese Diplomat Who Sparked Controversy Over 'Hands in Pockets' Meeting Appointed as Ambassador to Australia

A former Asian affairs director 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 his new post as ambassador to Australia.

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

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

"There are no historical grudges or fundamental conflicts of interest between our two countries," he emphasized, adding, "Economically, we are highly complementary, and the prospects for cooperation are promising."

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

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

He has previously served as China's ambassador to Afghanistan and as the director-general of the Asian Affairs Department at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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

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 footage was intentionally released to project 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)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.