Final Decisions for Forming a New Government in China Are Made - 2003-03-17

In China, final decisions are being made to form a new government to place a younger generation of leaders in charge of the fastest-growing economy in the world. The National People's Congress today approved a new cabinet, which includes about twenty new faces. The appointment of cabinet members is the final stage of the two-week session of China's highest legislative authority, which transferred power from the old leadership to Hu Jintao, the new president, and Wen Jiabao, the new prime minister of the country. Lou Fuyuan, a senior official in foreign trade, has been introduced as the head of the new Ministry of Commerce, which merges the Ministry of Foreign Trade with several other economic organizations. Li Zhaoxing, an experienced diplomat who has previously served as China's ambassador to the United States and the United Nations, was also appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. After his appointment was confirmed by the National People's Congress, Mr. Li told reporters in Beijing that his first duty is to ensure peace and stability for the country's development. The new foreign minister expressed hope that the Iraq crisis would be resolved peacefully. Mr. Li is known as a strong advocate of China's foreign policy positions and is skilled in trade and economic matters.