China approves Japanese envoy in Chongqing, ending 8-month vacancy

Shigehiro Nishiumi fills post at consulate in southwestern megacity left open amid diplomatic row over Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan comments Shigehiro Nishiumi, who previously served as Japan’s deputy consul general in Hong Kong, assumed the post at the diplomatic mission in the southwestern municipality of Chongqing on August 4, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported, citing an unnamed government source. The Chongqing post had remained unoccupied since December 5, when former head of mission Mari Takada was transferred to lead the consulate in Shenyang in the northeast. Japanese media reported as early as January that Chinese authorities had stalled the approval of Tokyo’s request to send Takada’s successor. When asked about the vacancy in January, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that Beijing was handling the matter “in accordance with procedures”. The website of the Japanese consulate in Chongqing has not yet published any details about Nishiumi’s appointment. The South China Morning Post has contacted the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.

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