The Philippine Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed Wednesday the appointment of career diplomat Sonia Brady as the new Philippine Ambassador to China.

President Benigno Aquino III thanked the CA for its "swift" confirmation of Brady.

"Realizing the importance of and recognizing an experienced career diplomat to foster and improve our relations with China, we thank the Commission on Appointments for their swift confirmation of Sonia Brady," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement.

Brady is no stranger to Beijing, having been ambassador there from 2006 to 2010. She also served as a Philippine consul in China back in the 1970s.

Brady has a master of arts in international relations from the University of Southern California and a foreign service degree from the University of the Philippines. Prior to her latest diplomatic appointment, Brady served as Philippine ambassador to Thailand and to Myanmar.