Huang Zhen

Huang Zhen trained as an artist in Shanghai and took part in the Long March before entering the new People’s Republic’s foreign service. He served as ambassador to Hungary, Indonesia, and France, and also held the post of vice foreign minister. In Paris he conducted discussions on diplomatic recognition with several governments and maintained a channel to American representatives. ¹

In May 1973 Huang became the first head of China’s liaison office in Washington, establishing a resident presence before formal diplomatic relations. He remained until November 1977. Back in Beijing, he served as culture minister and held responsibilities for cultural relations abroad. His paintings were collected in an album of his work. ^{1, 2}