Australia is sending experienced figures to manage two of its most challenging foreign relationships.
New ambassadors for both China and Russia were among a slew of diplomatic appointments announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Friday.
A key lieutenant of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Scott Dewar, has been called up as the new ambassador to China.
Mr Dewar currently works in the international and security division of the prime minister's department.
He faces the daunting task of trying to keep smoothing out tensions with China, particularly after their ambassador to Australia criticised politicians who visit Taiwan on Thursday night.
Ambassador Xiao Qian said he hoped Australia will "stick to the one-China policy" and said visiting Taiwan could be "utilised" by their politicians.
Elsewhere, Senator Wong has sent key Foreign Affairs department figure John Geering as the country's ambassador to Russia.
Mr Geering has previously worked in the department's Europe and Latin American division.
He'll also need to work through a degree of tension, his predecessor Graeme Meehan having been summoned to Moscow after the Australian government cited security concerns for cancelling the lease on a block of land in Canberra proposed for a Russian embassy.
Sri Ayyalaraju, who's been looking after things in Sweden, will become Ambassador to Estonia, with Frances Sagala taking over in Sweden.
Former Ambassador to Fiji John Feakes will take over Papua New Guinea, with Gareth WIlliams (Hong Kong), Anna Chrisp (Colombia), Paul Wilson (Marshall Islands) and Jo Stevens (Bali) the other appointments.
Senator Wong confirmed the appointments in a statement on Friday.
"Today I announce new appointments of heads of mission and consuls-general, who will reinforce our diplomatic capability, build influence and advance Australia's national interests around the globe," she said.
