Du Wei (diplomat)

Du Wei (杜伟) (October 1962 – May 3, 2020) was a Chinese diplomat who served as the Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine from 2016 to February 2020 and subsequently as the Chinese Ambassador to Israel from February 2020 until his death.

Du Wei graduated from the Foreign Affairs College in Beijing. He held various positions within the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs throughout his career, including roles within the Department of Russian and Central Asian Affairs. Before his ambassadorships, he served as a deputy director-general of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As Ambassador to Ukraine, Du Wei focused on strengthening economic and political ties between China and Ukraine, particularly within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

His appointment as Ambassador to Israel came at a time of increasing tensions between the United States and China, and amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between China and Israel, particularly in the fields of technology and innovation, while also defending China's handling of the pandemic.

Du Wei was found dead in his residence in Herzliya, Israel on May 3, 2020. Initial reports suggested that he died in his sleep. The cause of death was later reported as being attributed to cardiac problems. He was 57 years old. His death occurred amidst strained relations between China and some Western countries due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He was survived by his wife and son.