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Is ‘firefighter’ Wang Qishan working behind the scenes on trade talks?
- Chinese vice-president tells visiting Mexican foreign affairs secretary that his main task now is helping Xi Jinping with ‘ceremonial diplomacy’
- There is speculation he has played a quiet role in negotiations with Washington given his experience in dealing with the US
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Vice-President Wang Qishan – who is known as China’s “firefighter” for taking on the tough jobs – said his main task now was “ceremonial diplomacy”, amid speculation that he has played a behind-the-scenes role in trade negotiations with Washington.
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Wang made the remarks on Monday when he met Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary, who was on an official visit to Beijing, according to Hong Kong-based Phoenix Television.
“After 13 years, you’ve become more mature and I’ve become old,” Wang told Ebrard, recalling their meeting in 2006 when Wang was mayor of Beijing and Ebrard was a Mexico City mayoral candidate.
“You are now in charge of diplomacy, and I’m responsible for helping the president [Xi Jinping] with some ceremonial diplomacy,” Wang said.
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Wang, 71, has not taken a public role in the year-long trade conflict between China and the US, despite his experience handling a wide range of issues – including helping to fend off the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. He also has experience dealing with Washington as a vice-premier, when he oversaw financial affairs and economic ties with the US.
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