Xing Guangmei made her debut as the spokeswoman for the Chinese Navy at a seminar on the 120th anniversary of First Sino-Japanese War on Aug 26. It makes her the first female spokesperson of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Before this appointment, female spokespersons in government agencies, the military and other political spheres such as legislature have drawn increasing attention as they speak for China, a country where woman is referred to as "being able to hold up half the sky".

Xing Guangmei, the first spokeswomen in the PLA, is a researcher on marine safety policy and a visiting professor at the University of National Defense. [Photo/Xinhua]