Lin Zhaonan

Lin Zhaonan studied journalism at Yenching University before joining the Communist movement and working with the Eighth Route Army. His knowledge of English led to interpretation and foreign affairs assignments. A later account drawing on family materials describes consular work in Indonesia, an embassy assignment in Egypt, and service in the foreign ministry’s Asian and African affairs department. ¹

By May 1980 Lin was minister at the Chinese embassy in Washington. He joined the Chinese delegation for Vice Premier Geng Biao’s meeting with President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale, alongside Ambassador Chai Zemin and Han Xu. The talks covered the expanding relationship, including development finance and defense cooperation. ²