Minister of Foreign Affairs (China) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Flag of the People's Republic of China
National Emblem of the People's Republic of China
Incumbent Wang Yi since 25 July 2023
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Member of	State Council
Reports to	Central Foreign Affairs Commission
Seat	Beijing
Nominator	Premier (chosen within the Chinese Communist Party)
Appointer	President with the confirmation of the National People's Congress or its Standing Committee
Precursor	Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China
Formation	1 October 1949; 75 years ago (1949-10-01)
First holder	Zhou Enlai
Deputy	Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is like China's chief diplomat. This person leads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the government department that handles how China talks and works with other countries. It's one of the most important jobs in China's government, similar to a top position in a country's main team of leaders, called the cabinet.

The Minister is usually a member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. This is a large group of very important leaders in China. The Minister is also often a state councillor, which means they are a high-ranking government official. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the second most important diplomat in China. The top diplomat is the director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission.

What is the Minister of Foreign Affairs?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is the main person in charge of China's relationships with countries around the world. They represent China on the global stage. This includes discussing important issues, signing agreements, and making sure China's interests are protected. They work to build friendships and solve problems with other nations.

How the Minister is Chosen

The process for choosing the Minister of Foreign Affairs involves several steps. First, the Premier of the State Council suggests a person for the job. The Premier is the head of government in China. After the Premier suggests someone, the National People's Congress or its Standing Committee must approve the choice. The National People's Congress is China's highest state power. Finally, the President officially appoints the new Minister. The President is the head of state.

A Look at History

The job of Minister of Foreign Affairs was created on October 1, 1949. This was when the proclamation of the People's Republic of China happened, marking the start of modern China. The very first person to hold this important role was Zhou Enlai. He was also the Premier at the same time. This shows how important the role of foreign affairs was from the very beginning of the People's Republic of China.

Important Ministers Over Time

Many important people have served as China's Minister of Foreign Affairs. These individuals have played a key role in shaping China's relationships with other countries throughout history.

No.	Portrait	Name (Birth–Death)	Term of office			President	Premier
			Took office	Left office	Term
1		Zhou Enlai 周恩来 (1898–1976)	1 October 1949	11 February 1958	8 years, 133 days	Mao Zedong (since 1954)	Himself
11		Wang Yi 王毅 (born 1953)	16 March 2013	30 December 2022	9 years, 289 days	Xi Jinping	Li Keqiang
12		Qin Gang 秦刚 (born 1966)	30 December 2022	25 July 2023	207 days
							Li Qiang
13		Wang Yi 王毅 (born 1953)	25 July 2023	Incumbent	1 year, 335 days

Images for kids

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  Chen Yi served as Minister from 1958 to 1972.

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  Ji Pengfei was Minister from 1972 to 1973.

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  Qiao Guanhua served as Minister from 1973 to 1976.

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  Huang Hua was Minister from 1976 to 1982.

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  Wu Xueqian served as Minister from 1982 to 1988.

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  Qian Qichen was Minister from 1988 to 1998.

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  Tang Jiaxuan served as Minister from 1998 to 2003.

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  Li Zhaoxing was Minister from 2003 to 2007.

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  Yang Jiechi served as Minister from 2007 to 2013.