Wu Hongbo has been appointed China's first special representative for European affairs, the Foreign Ministry announced on November 1.

The new envoy will promote sound and stable development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthen communication and pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Wu, born in May 1952, is a senior diplomat familiar with European affairs. He served as deputy director of the Western Europe Department of the Foreign Ministry from 1999 to 2000 and ambassador to the Philippines from 2004 to 2005. He was an assistant foreign minister in charge of European affairs, press and consular affairs from 2007 to 2009, and ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2012. He served as the UN under secretary general from 2012 to 2017.

He will assist the Foreign Ministry in coordinating Europe-related affairs, promoting high-level exchanges, participating in important exchanges and cooperation between China and Europe, as well as advancing the China-EU partnership for peace, growth, reform and civilization.