Zhao Baige's three-year tenure as a key member of the Red Cross Society of China was highly praised on Tuesday by a leading media expert on health and charity who said her work had helped the public better understand the plight of those in need and the measures required to help them.

Shen Yang, secretary-general of the China Health Media Alliance, said that Zhao, who had been executive vice-president at the RCSC for three years until her resignation on Tuesday, raised society's awareness of those less well-off.

Shen said Zhao made people recognize the difference between humanity and charity, and enabled more people to understand the principles of the RCSC, its adherence to the Geneva Accords and international humanitarian law.

Zhao proved through her hard work that the sphere of influence of China's non-governmental diplomacy was able to reach an unprecedented level, Shen said.

Zhao will retain her positions as a member of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee and deputy director of the Congress' foreign affairs committee.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) elected Zhao as its vice-president in November.

Xu Ke, currently vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission, was nominated to succeed Zhao in the RCSC post.

Shen paid respect to Zhao's efforts over the years at the RCSC and wished every success for the organization's future work under the leadership of Xu.

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