Beijing Taps Shipping Giant's Executive for Key Hong Kong Role

China has appointed a senior executive from its state-owned shipping conglomerate to a deputy director position in Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong. Zhang Yong, the executive vice-president and spokesman for the Cosco Shipping Group, will take up the role. The appointment was announced by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. He replaces Qi Bin, who was appointed to the post in November last year. The liaison office represents China's central government in Hong Kong. The move places a business executive with deep ties to a major state-owned enterprise into a significant political position in the city.