New Chinese foreign minister heads to Africa for first trip

The new foreign minister is following in the footsteps of his predecessors, who have for more than 30 years started each year with a trip to Africa [File: Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP]

China’s new foreign minister Qin Gang is starting his term with a weeklong trip to five African countries, its foreign ministry announced.

Qin, who until recently was ambassador to the United States, will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt from January 9 to 16, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a daily media briefing on Monday.