Beijing has appointed a senior editor from its official English-language media outlet as the chief publicity officer at its liaison office in Hong Kong in a bid to improve the central government’s narratives for international audiences, the Post has learned.

Official sources said Sun Shangwu, 56, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, would move to the city to take up the role of deputy director at Beijing’s liaison office and take charge of publicity work.

“Sun will greatly enhance the liaison office’s footing in the English media world, as Beijing seeks to improve China’s narrative in Hong Kong and the world,” one source said.

The insider said Sun was expected to work with all news platforms “regardless of their language” to “tell the Hong Kong story well”.

A second source also confirmed Sun’s appointment, saying his arrival would help the office engage better with the English-speaking world.

“Beijing knows the importance of improving its narratives to the international audience. Hong Kong is a very critical part of winning the narrative battle,” the insider said.