Li Zhaoxing

Li Zhaoxing graduated from Peking University and pursued further language study before entering diplomatic work. Overseas assignments in Kenya and Lesotho preceded his rise through the foreign ministry’s information department, where he became spokesman. He represented China at the United Nations from 1993 to 1995 and then served as vice foreign minister. ¹

As ambassador in Washington from 1998 to 2001, Li handled relations during the crisis caused by NATO’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. On 13 May 1999, President Bill Clinton met him at the White House and signed the embassy’s condolence book for the victims. After returning to Beijing, Li again served as vice minister and became foreign minister in 2003, holding that office until 2007. ^{1, 2}