China has proposed Zhang Maoming as its new ambassador to Kathmandu and sent a letter of agrément to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Zhang is one of the deputy directors at the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese foreign ministry.

He will replace Chen Song who has already returned to China after completing his three-year tenure and getting a promotion two weeks ago.

Chen heads the Department of Policy and Planning at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that studies and analyses issues of overall and strategic importance related to the global situation and international relations. It formulates policies and plans for diplomatic work, drafts and submits important diplomatic documents and speeches, conducts foreign policy pronouncements, and coordinates research and analytical work, said the Chinese foreign ministry.

On Thursday, the chargé d'affaires at Chinese Embassy, Zhou Pan handed a letter of agrément to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking early approval of Zhang’s appointment, said an official at the foreign ministry.

After Nepal’s approval, the Chinese side will officially announce his appointment. Zhang is a familiar face in Nepal’s political and diplomatic circles as he has in the past been a part of several meetings with Nepali officials and leaders.

He is a polished diplomat and official having a lot of interest and experience on Nepal affairs, said Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, former Nepali ambassador to China. He understands Nepal and affairs related to Nepal, said Shrestha.