China's man in Washington Cui Tiankai heads for home after eight years as envoy

After months of speculation, China's longest-serving ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai confirmed on Tuesday that he would be leaving Washington, at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries. Cui, who held the key position for eight years, was known for his relatively moderate stance compared to the more hawkish breed of Wolf Warrior diplomats . He is expected to be succeeded by foreign vice-minister Qin Gang , a career diplomat who has worked on European affairs, but with no direct experience in the United States. Cui leaves his post at a difficult time in China-US relations, as…