Germany’s new ambassador to China, Jan Hecker, has died shortly after taking up his post, the Foreign Office confirmed Monday.

The Foreign Ministry did not divulge the circumstances behind the diplomat’s death.

The 54-year-old had only taken up his new job in Beijing last month.

His deputy, Frank Rueckert, would take over his duties.

“It is with deep sadness and consternation that we heard of the sudden death of the German ambassador to China, Dr Jan Hecker,” said a statement by the German government. “At this moment, our thoughts are with his family and the people who were close to him.”

On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that she was deeply shocked by Mr Hecker’s death, who had previously been her foreign policy advisor.

“I mourn the loss of my advisor of many years, whom I respect greatly, and who had a deep humanity and outstanding expertise,’’ said Ms Merkel.

A native of the northern port city of Kiel, Mr Hecker trained as a lawyer and had worked as an attorney and a judge.

He was married and had three children.

Mr Hecker was a university lecturer before becoming a foreign policy advisor to Ms Merkel, ahead of his appointment as ambassador.

(dpa/NAN)