Wang Yi to lead China’s foreign policy

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been named director of the general office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission to direct the nation’s foreign policy. Wang said China will seek to build stable foreign relations based on peaceful coexistence and balanced development this year. He said that the country will deepen mutual trust with Russia and cement the bilateral strategic partnership as well as explore and establish guidelines on China-US relations and “correct course”. Wang was promoted to the 24-member Politburo following last year’s twice-a-decade party congress even though he was older than the retirement age of 68. He was expected to helm foreign policy after Yang Jiechi retired from the top decision-making body. His previous position as foreign minister was recently taken by Qin Gang, who was ambassador to the United States.