Chinese diplomat criticized over "hands in pockets" incident at Japan meeting takes post as ambassador to Australia

[Financial News] A former director-general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, who drew criticism last year for standing with both hands in his pockets during a meeting with a Japanese diplomat, has taken up a new post as ambassador to Australia.
On the 24th local time, the Chinese Embassy in Australia said, "Liu Jinsong, the new Chinese ambassador to Australia, arrived in Australia on a China International Airlines flight this afternoon and assumed his post."
In a written address after arriving in Australia, Liu said that "both countries and the world are undergoing a major transformation not seen in 100 years." He added that "the interests of China and Australia are now more deeply intertwined, people-to-people and cultural exchanges have become closer, and there are more issues to resolve." He stressed that "there is no historical grievance between the two countries, nor any fundamental conflict of interests," and that "the two economies are highly complementary, and the prospects for cooperation are promising." He also said that "Chinese President Xi Jinping has devoted great attention to and provided direction for China-Australia relations," adding that he would "serve as a guardian and promoter of the comprehensive strategic partnership on behalf of President Xi."
Earlier, when tensions between China and Japan were rising over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting a possible Japanese intervention in a Taiwan contingency, Liu drew attention after he was seen meeting Masaaki Kanai, director-general of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau at Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beijing with both hands in his pockets and appearing to look down at the Japanese delegation. Chinese state media also released video showing Liu standing with a stern expression while Kanai appeared to bow his head, fueling speculation that the scene was deliberately staged to project diplomatic superiority.
As a result, some in Japan referred to him as the "diplomat with hands in his pockets" and classified him as a hard-liner on Japan.
[email protected] Hong Chaewan Reporter