China’s EU Envoy to Depart Brussels for UN in Diplomat Shuffle

  • Beijing’s ties to bloc deteriorated during Fu Cong’s tenure
  • His next post set to be China representative to UN, people say

Fu Cong

Photographer: Alex Halada/AFP/Getty Images
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China’s ambassador to the European Union is departing Brussels after less than 18 months in the job, according to two people familiar with the matter, temporarily leaving a key diplomatic post vacant as Beijing’s relationship with the massive trade bloc frays.

Fu Cong, 58, will take up a new role as China’s envoy to the United Nations in New York, the people said. Moving to that prestigious post would be deemed a promotion, an elevation that comes despite ties between the EU and China having faltered during Fu’s tenure.