Rio Tinto appoints new China head

Rio Tinto has appointed Ian Bauert as head of its China business following the arrest of Stern Hu and three other staff members on allegations of corporate espionage, Reuters reported. "This appointment recognizes the importance of China as a long-term partner with our organization and our intention to foster new and dynamic relationships as China’s development continues," the mining company said in a statement. Bauert, a Mandarin speaker, established Rio Tinto’s first office in China 25 years ago and was formerly head of iron ore sales and marketing. His appointment is aimed at repairing frayed ties between Rio and Beijing.