Zhang Zhijun has succeeded Wang Guangya as executive vice minister of foreign affairs. Wang was reappointed to head the office of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs.

Zhang's previous position was vice minister of foreign affairs, responsible for dealing with news media and other related work. Cui Tiankai took Zhang's previous position.

Zhang, 57, has worked for the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCCPC) for 34 years. He was first secretary at the Embassy of China in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 1994. After working as vice minister of International Department of CCCPC from 2000 to 2009, he became vice minister of foreign affairs in 2009.

Zhang's appointment was the latest in China's diplomatic personnel reshuffle this year. Earlier, Cui Tiankai, Fu Ying and Zhai Jun were successively promoted to positions as vice ministers. With the completion of this year's reshuffle, Beijing will boast an elite team of diplomatic officials all born after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. All have impressive academic backgrounds and overseas work experience.