Zhao Zhiyuan

Zhao Zhiyuan (, born April 1968) is a Chinese diplomat and senior official. He is currently serving as Party Committee Member and Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Biography Born in Penglai, Shandong, Zhao graduated in 1990 from Jilin University of Technology in industrial management engineering and later earned a PhD in management at Beijing Jiaotong University.

He began his career in Weihai's municipal institutions before moving to Weihai International Trust Investment Co., where he served as Assistant Manager and led its U.S. office. Subsequently, he returned to politics in Shandong, holding key leadership roles in Gaomi and Weifang, before becoming Acting Mayor and then Mayor of Dongying.

From 2020 to 2024, Zhao served as China's Ambassador to Ethiopia, where he strengthened China–Africa relations through regional visits and security cooperation.

In May 2024, he returned to Beijing and was appointed Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs.