Three sources revealed to Reuters on Feb. 20 that the UK plans to appoint Peter Wilson as the next British ambassador to China.
Peter Wilson, who worked briefly as principal private secretary to former prime minister Boris Johnson and has served as the British ambassador to the Netherlands and Brazil, is expected to replace the current ambassador, Caroline Wilson, in the next few months, according to two of the sources.
His father, David Wilson, was the penultimate British governor of Hong Kong between 1987 and 1992.
Additionally, according to the UK Foreign Office website, Peter Wilson has also worked at the British embassy in China and can speak Mandarin.
The report states that the UK Foreign Office declined to comment.
Reuters notes that this new appointment comes as the UK Labour government continues to strengthen diplomatic contacts with China. In recent months, UK finance minister Rachel Reeves and foreign minister David Lammy have visited China. Sources indicate that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected to visit China later this year, which would mark the first visit by a British leader to China since 2018 if it proceeds.
Related News:
Comment