The Foreign Ministry debuted its latest spokeswoman yesterday.

Newly-appointed Jiang Yu, 42, is the 23rd public face of the Foreign Ministry, since the spokesman system was established in 1983.

She is also the fourth woman to take the post, following Li Jinhua, former ambassador to New Zealand, Fan Huijuan, former ambassador to Ireland, and Zhang Qiyue, ambassador to Belgium.

Jiang prepared for a lot of questions on her debut, even including one about the ongoing World Cup finals.

Commenting on her appointment, she said: "I hope to establish a sound working relationship with reporters."

A glimpse at Jiang Yu's resume:

Early 2006 - now: vice-director of Foreign Ministry's Information Department.

2002-05: counsellor for the Office of the Commissioner of the Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong.

1995-2002: Information Department of Foreign Ministry.

1992-95: China's UN mission in New York.

1991-92: Information Department of Foreign Ministry.

1987-91: the Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions.

1987: graduated from the China Foreign Affairs University.

(China Daily June 13, 2006)