Liu Shuqing

Liu Shuqing (; born 22 August 1925) is a Chinese diplomat who served as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China from 1984 to 1989. A native of Jiangyin, Jiangsu, Liu has had a long diplomatic career spanning several decades, with a particular focus on Asian affairs and multilateral diplomacy.

Biography Liu Shuqing joined the revolutionary movement in 1942, entering the New Fourth Army, and became a member of the Chinese Communist Party the following year. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he served in political roles within the New Fourth Army and later in the Shandong Military Region.

In 1950, Liu undertook specialized studies in diplomacy at Renmin University of China and subsequently joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held a series of posts related to Soviet and Eastern European affairs, including deputy section chief and section chief in the relevant department, as well as second secretary and later minister-counselor at the Chinese embassy in the Soviet Union. He went on to serve as ambassador to Poland (1972–1977), Norway (1977–1980), and Bangladesh (1980–1982).

From 1982 to 1984, Liu served as Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director-General of the Asian Affairs Department. From 1984 to 1989, as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was chiefly responsible for China’s diplomacy in Asia. He led Chinese delegations in boundary negotiations with India and Bhutan, headed delegations to bilateral consultations with countries including Japan, Thailand, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Laos, and Pakistan, and represented China at international forums such as the 44th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the 1989 Paris International Conference on Cambodia. He also accompanied senior Chinese leaders, including Hu Yaobang, Peng Zhen, and Li Xiannian, on multiple state visits abroad.

In the early 1990s, Liu served as Secretary-General of the Central Leading Group on Foreign Affairs and Director of the State Council Foreign Affairs Office from 1989 to 1991. He was subsequently President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries from 1991 until June 1997. During this period, he accompanied Premier Li Peng on official visits to the Soviet Union, the Middle East, and Gulf countries. Liu was also a member of the Eighth National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.