Qin Gang, the new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the United States of America, arrived in the United States on Wednesday to assume office.

Qin is the 11th Chinese ambassador to the United States. Prior to his ambassadorship, he worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 29 years. He was also vice minister of Foreign Affairs for three years, mainly in charge of the areas of Europe, information and protocol. 

Taking office at the age of 55, the newly-appointed ambassador is the second youngest ambassador China has dispatched to the United States. Yang Jiechi remains the youngest when appointed. 

Qin's predecessor, Cui Tiankai, was the longest serving Chinese ambassador to the United States. He announced he was leaving the role after eight years of service and returned to China on June 23.

Cui thanked overseas Chinese for the support and care they have given him during his tenure.

He said the China-U.S. relationship is at a "key crossroad" that will have to choose between dialogue and conflict, and called on the Chinese living in the U.S. now to shoulder more responsibilities in promoting world peace and stability.