May will replace Dominic Barton who left the job at the end of December following the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, the alleged Canadian spies held by China for nearly three years. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. The official announcement is expected from Friday. The news was first reported by the Globe and Mail. May has worked at Global Affairs Canada since 1990, previously serving as ambassador to Brazil and deputy chief of mission at the Canadian embassy in Germany, according to a Canadian government website. He also had posts in Hong Kong, Beijing and Bangkok. The Chinese government agreed to accept May as ambassador earlier this week, sources said. May speaks five languages, including Mandarin, a source said.
