国内英语新闻:China names new special envoy for Afghanistan affairs

BEIJING, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China has recently named a new special envoy for Afghanistan affairs to promote peace and reconciliation in the war-torn country, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Deng Xijun, who ended his tenure as ambassador to Afghanistan in October this year, has been named as a special representative for Afghanistan affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed at a regular news briefing.

Deng, a veteran diplomat, has mainly been engaged in Asian affairs, including posts at Chinese embassies in Myanmar, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore before becoming ambassador to Afghanistan in September 2013.

"Deng, familiar with Afghanistan affairs, will fulfill his mission," Hua said, reiterating China has always actively participated in and promoted the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Deng replaces Sun Yuxi, the first special envoy for Afghanistan affairs since the post was set in July 2014. Sun was a former foreign ministry spokesperson and ambassador to Afghanistan from 2002 to 2005.