More for Durfur

Appointed as Special Representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs in 2007, Liu retired from the post of Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, but his life got busier.

"The Darfur issue of Sudan is the focus of my work," said Liu, who has been to Sudan around 20 times. "China has done a lot in this regard, including persuading the Sudanese Government to accept the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Durfur. We are striving to do more," said Liu.

"You can imagine the vast area of refugee camps there [in Darfur] and millions of people living there; it is really a shocking scene," said Liu, adding he was preparing for the next trip to the country with as much passion for the work he is doing on the continent today as he had when he first set foot on the continent all those years ago.

Liu Guijin's Diplomatic Life

> 1972-81: The General Office of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China as a diplomatic courier

> 1981-86: The Chinese Embassy in Kenya as an attaché and later secretary

> 1986-90: The Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

> 1990-93: The Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia as a political counselor

> 1993-95: Deputy director general of Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

> 1995-98: Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe

> 1998-2001: Director general of Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

> 2001-07: Chinese Ambassador to South Africa

> 2007-present: Special Representative of the Chinese Government for African Affairs.