Editor's note:

An increasing number of spokeswomen have joined China's government organizations in recent years. Foreign media also commented that China needs spokeswomen to better deliver its message. A feminine face and gentle voice could bring more influence and attention for China. Here is an introduction to seven spokeswomen working in China's major government departments.

Senior Colonel Xing Guangmei is the spokeswoman for China's Navy and holds a doctoral degree in law. Xing is also the deputy secretary-general of the international military branch of the China Association for Military Science. Xing is mainly engaged in law-related research and consultation on maritime safety and military operation policy. She has represented the Navy at a series of international events, such as the China-US maritime consultations, the Western Pacific Naval Symposium and the Shangri-La Dialogue. Xing is also a prolific writer, researcher and consultant. Photo: Takungpao.com

Fu Ying, 61, is the spokeswoman for the annual session of the 12th National People's Congress. Fu, an ethnic Mongol, is China's vice foreign minister and she was appointed as the spokeswoman on March 4, 2013. Fu is the second female vice foreign minister in China and the first spokeswoman in the position's 30-year history. With elegant style and silver locks, Fu is a charming media presence with her polished and mild-mannered speech. Photo: cri.cn

Hua Chunying is spokeswoman and deputy director-general of the Information Department, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hua is the fifth female spokesperson in the history of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fu, native of Jiangsu Province, was born in April, 1970 and holds a bachelor's degree. According to Qin Gang, director-general of the Information Department, Hua has been engaged in diplomatic work for 20 years, during which she has accumulated rich diplomatic experience and excellent communication skills. Photo:fmprc.gov.cn

Song Shuli is the spokeswoman and deputy director-general of the Department of Communications, China's National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC). Song is the first spokeswoman appointed to the China's Ministry of Health (known as NHFPC since March 2013). Song worked as a teacher at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine for nearly 10 years before joining the State Administration of TCM. Song always impresses with her amiability. Song loves music and is a trained singer. Photo: china.com.cn

Xiao Wei made her debut as the spokeswoman of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China this May. Xiao, born in 1970 in Zigong, Sichuan Province, graduated from Renmin University of China's School of Journalism and Communication in 1991. Xiao was appointed as deputy editor-in-chief of the Procuratorial Daily and later deputy director of the Information Office of the Supreme People's Procuratorate. Xiao, with her friendly demeanor, has won praise from media. Photo: The Beijing News

Fan Liqing is the spokeswoman of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Fan was born in 1955 in Fujian Province and graduated from Xiamen University in 1983. Fan worked for the Xinhua News Agency and now is also the vice director of the Department of Information, Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Photo: china.com.cn

Xu Mei was appointed as spokeswoman of China's Ministry of Education in July, 2008. Xu graduated with an education degree from Beijing Normal University. Xu has worked for the official journal People's Education and China Education Daily. Photo: moe.gov.cn

Press spokesperson system:

Since the position was established for foreign ministry in 1983, government spokespeople have played an important role in promoting the government's image, crisis management and informing the public.

Spokespeople are usually served by the following four groups:

• Secretary-generals, directors, deputy directors of general offices 
• Chief of information offices
• Party members, assistant ministers or deputy directors at the vice-ministerial level 
• Head of departments of policies and laws, investment departments, general offices or departments involving international relations  

Source: The Beijing News-people.com.cn

Web Editor: liyingxa@globaltimes.com.cn