China's Foreign Ministry has welcomed India's appointment of Vikram K. Doraiswami as its next ambassador in Beijing, expressing hope that he will play a positive role in the continued improvement and development of bilateral ties.

India's Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that Doraiswami, currently India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, has been appointed as the next ambassador to China and is expected to take up the posting shortly.

Noting that the new ambassador has already chosen a Chinese name for himself - Wei Jiameng, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said envoys serve as an important bridge for developing friendly cooperation between countries.

Lin added that China welcomes his appointment and stands ready to facilitate his assumption of office in China.