Press release

Caroline Wilson appointed as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China

Caroline Wilson CMG has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in succession to Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE.

Caroline Wilson CMG

Caroline was Europe Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London from October 2016 until July 2019 and served as Her Majesty’s Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao from 2012 to 2016.

HM The Queen appointed the new Ambassador after the Prime Minister approved the successful candidate on the recommendation of the Foreign Secretary. The request for agrément has been approved by the Chinese Government.

Caroline Wilson is expected to take up her appointment in September. She succeeds Barbara Woodward who has completed her tour.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

This is an important juncture in the UK’s relationship with China, with both opportunities and challenges. Caroline is an outstanding diplomat, who will help us navigate the path ahead.

Caroline Wilson said:

It is an incredible opportunity to be asked to represent the UK in China at this critical time. As major economies and leading members of the global community, the UK and China must continue to work together to develop our partnership.

I look forward to returning to China to take the relationship forward.

Biography

Caroline joined the Foreign Office in 1995 after qualifying as a Barrister-at-law.

She completed Mandarin language training at Beijing Normal University before taking up her first role overseas at the British Embassy in Beijing from 1997-2000.

Caroline was posted to the UK Representation to the European Union in Brussels in 2001 and served as Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary from 2004-2006.

Caroline was then seconded to the Cabinet Office European Secretariat as Deputy Director. From 2008-12 she served at the British Embassy in Moscow as Minister Counsellor.

Caroline then went on to become Her Majesty’s Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao from 2012 to 2016.

Returning to London, Caroline was appointed Europe Director at the FCO, a role she held from 2016 to 2019.

Caroline is fluent in Mandarin. Her Chinese name is 吴若兰.

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Published 15 June 2020