Britain has appointed Caroline Wilson as its new ambassador to China, in succession to Barbara Woodward.

The decision was announced on Monday by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and according to the office, Wilson is expected to take up her role in September.

Wilson is currently the FCO's Europe director, in charge of Britain's new diplomatic relationship with the continent in the wake of Brexit. Previously, she had served as consul general to China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) from 2012 to 2016.

According to the UK government, Wilson is fluent in Mandarin. Her Chinese name is Wu Ruolan.

"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," Wilson, 49, was quoted as saying in a statement on the government's website.

"I look forward to returning to China to take the relationship forward," she added.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is also positive about the change. "Caroline is an outstanding diplomat, who will help us navigate the path ahead," he said according to the statement.

Wilson's biography

In 1995, Wilson joined the UK Foreign Office after receiving her lawyer certificate. 

From 1997 to 2000, she completed her Mandarin language training at Beijing Normal University before taking up her first role overseas at the British Embassy in the Chinese capital.

In 2001, she was posted to the UK Representation to the European Union in Brussels.

From 2004 to 2006, she served as the private secretary to the country's foreign secretary.

From 2008 to 2012, she served as minister counsellor at the British Embassy in Moscow.

From 2012 to 2016, she served as consul general to the Hong Kong and Macao SARs.

From 2016 to 2019, she served as the Europe director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office after returning to London.