This undated photo shows Liu Xiaoming, China's former ambassador to the UK. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CHINESE EMBASSY IN UK )

BEIJING - Former Chinese ambassador to Britain Liu Xiaoming has recently taken office as the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced Monday.

Liu, as a senior diplomat with rich work experience, is familiar with Korean Peninsula affairs, Zhao said, adding that he has previously served as Chinese ambassador to Egypt, deputy director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Foreign Affairs, Chinese ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and to Britain successively.

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Liu's main duty will entail assisting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordinating and handling the Korean Peninsula affairs. He will also maintain communication and cooperation with relevant parties and play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue, Zhao said. 

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