Jul 16, 2026 – 1.59pmChina’s incoming ambassador to Australia is expected to be Liu Jinsong, a veteran diplomat specialising in Asian affairs, according to three diplomatic sources in Canberra.If confirmed, Liu would replace Xiao Qian, who assumed the role in January 2022 and is set to leave Australia after a consequential four years in bilateral relations, during which Chinese naval ships circumnavigated Australia, but Beijing also restored trade ties frozen during a Morrison-era diplomatic spat.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles