China to replace ambassador to Seoul

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Sept. 24 (Yonhap) -- China is seeking diplomatic consent from South Korea for its newly-appointed ambassador to Seoul, officials here said Wednesday.

Ambassador Ning Fukui will leave his post in the middle of next month as his
three-year tenure ends, they added.
"China requested 'agreement' earlier this month for the appointment of Beijing's
Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, Cheng Yonghua, as its new ambassador to South Korea,"
a South Korean foreign ministry official said. "A related process is under way."
Ning's departure ceremony is slated for Oct. 16 and the new envoy will likely
begin his job here late next month, he added.
The outgoing ambassador's next post is unknown. Chinese embassy officials here
were not available for comments.
Cheng would become one of China's highest-ranking diplomats to work as ambassador
to South Korea since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1992.
Cheng is known for his expertise in Asian affairs. He has worked in Malaysia
since 2006.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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